It can be said…
Many people complain that political correctness curtails speech, but I’ve come to the conclusion that they are wrong: there is nothing you can’t say in America today. You just have to say it the right way.
I learned this in college and it’s come in very handy in the Los Angeles Public School system. You see, even if you are working with the least promising, most difficult children this side of open savagery, it is strictly verboten to confess that they seem hopeless and you have just about had it. You cannot say that.
But you can indicate that the students you are working with present a unique challenge.
You don’t say Gabriel is so hyper and uncontrollable that you would need a staple gun to keep him in his chair. You say he is a kinetic learner who is working to improve his impulse control, but is unfortunately suffering from ADHD. (Never mind that Gabriel isn’t the one suffering, you are.) Speak of his energy in an admiring voice, and all the other teachers in earshot know exactly what you really mean. “Oh yes,” they agree knowingly, “Gabriel has difficulty focusing during direct instruction.”
You cannot say that Jessica is the dimmest child you’ve ever seen. But you can indicate concern that she has difficulty processing auditory input, is dyslexic, and struggles with spatial relationships. In other words, she doesn’t understand anything she hears, reads, or sees. Add that she would benefit from learning compensating skills for her weak motor coordination and you can hint that she walks into walls as well.
Finally, do not say that you are barely holding on till the weekend. Smile and say that you look forward to coming back rested and restored on Monday, eager to seek new solutions and fresh strategies.
Then go home and quietly collapse.
