A Morning in an ESE Classroom
A Kenyan teacher packed blazers and dress shoes for their first U.S. classroom—what they got instead was a screaming, smart-board-smashing introduction to ESE that no induction could have prepared them for.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Sharon Ingolo
6/15/20263 min read
An Unexpected Adventure from Kenya to the U.S.
Imagine a teacher from Kenya, packed with dreams and suitcases filled with crisp, formal clothes, stepping off the plane with stars in their eyes and a heart full of anticipation. The plan? To bring a touch of Kenyan teaching magic to an American ESE (Exceptional Student Education) classroom. Little did they know, their first morning would turn into a hilarious, chaotic adventure that no textbook could prepare them for.
The Journey Begins: Suitcases and Surprises
Our Kenyan educator had visions of classroom elegance - dress shirts, blouses, and polished shoes. After all, this was their big opportunity! Arriving in the U.S., they envisioned starting the day in a neatly pressed blazer, ready to inspire. But reality had other plans. Stepping into the classroom, they quickly realized that their formal attire was about as useful as a fish in a tree. Here, the kids were a whirlwind of energy, a tornado of behavior, and all they needed were pants, T-shirts, and tennis shoes - preferably with some grip - because these kids weren’t exactly sitting still.
Chaos Unleashed: The Morning Mayhem
As soon as the teacher entered, the classroom erupted. Kids screamed like they’d just seen a ghost, ran around like they’d stolen the cookies from the jar, and ignored every instruction like it was optional. Attempts to establish order? Well, that was like trying to herd cats with a laser pointer. The teacher’s heart started pounding; not from fear, but from sheer panic. “What did I sign up for?” they wondered, trying to keep calm while dodging flying shoes and darting children.
The Smart Board Saga: Tech Troubles and Tantrums
Then came the pièce de résistance - circle time on the smart board. The teacher, eager to use some shiny new technology, clicked on the screen, only to be met with more chaos. Kids screaming, jumping, some even attempting to touch the screen like it was a giant touchscreen playground. The teacher, now running around like a headless chicken; arms flailing, trying to redirect, calm, and control became the star of their own slapstick comedy show. Meanwhile, the smart board flickered and froze, as if it was protesting the mayhem.
Humor in the Hustle
Despite the pandemonium, there’s something undeniably funny about that first morning. The teacher, with their suit now slightly wrinkled and their dignity slightly bruised, realized that this was not just a classroom; it was an adventure. A place where patience, humor, and a good pair of tennis shoes are the real tools of the trade.
The Spectators
Uncooperative Teacher Assistants and Laughter Behind the Scenes
Amidst the chaos, there stood a group of teacher assistants, just watching. Unbothered, maybe amused, maybe overwhelmed, they stood and observed as they chuckled quietly inside. They didn’t jump in to help; instead, they seemed to be taking mental notes on the mayhem, like spectators at a chaotic zoo exhibit. The image of these assistants, arms crossed and eyes twinkling with mischief, added a humorous layer to the morning’s madness.
The Curriculum Conundrum: No Induction, No Clues
Adding to the puzzle was the curriculum; completely new to the teacher and without any proper induction or guidance. Half the class was non-verbal, making the task even more daunting. How do you teach when you don’t speak their language? When the lesson plans are a mystery, and the kids communicate in their own silent language? It was like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing.
From Confidence to Confusion: The Morning Turns Frustrating
What started as confident enthusiasm quickly morphed into confusion and frustration. The experienced teacher, used to calm classrooms and clear instructions, found themselves overwhelmed by the unpredictable energy and silence. The frustration built as they grappled with the chaos, questioning how to connect, how to teach, and how to make sense of it all.
A Lesson in Humility and Humor
Despite the pandemonium, the morning was a comedy of errors and a testament to the resilience and humor required in special education. The Kenyan teacher learned that teaching in a new country, especially an ESE classroom, isn’t about perfection. It’s about patience, adaptability, and the ability to laugh at the chaos.
The wild, frantic morning became a story of growth, humor, and unexpected lessons; proof that even the most confusing days can turn into the most memorable adventures.
In the end, the Kenyan teacher learned that teaching in an ESE classroom in the U.S. isn’t about perfect suits or silent classrooms. It’s about embracing chaos, celebrating the energy, and finding humor in every flying shoe and frantic scream. Because in the end, it’s these wild mornings that make the best stories. And the best teachers.
Who knows? Maybe next time, those suitcases will be filled with T-shirts and sneakers from the start.