It's In the Syllabus

I spend a lot of time to write
A syllabus for class:
These are the rules, the dates of tests,
The points you need to pass.

I even make a video
Where I sit and explain
What’s written in the syllabus
So that they can’t complain.

I make a lovely website, too,
With all the files. They can
Find schedules, homework, old exams,
Who teaches where and when.

Yet nonetheless, the emails come.
“When is the homework due?”
“I heard there are no labs this week.
Say, is this really true?”

“I did not know there was a quiz.
Please, can I take it late?”
“When is my lab?” “We have a test?
I cannot make the date!”

It drives me nuts. They did not read.
I feel the urge to yell –
Of course, that’s unprofessional,
And so I simply tell

The student: “In the syllabus
It states, right on page two …”
And quote the lines – because, what else
Am I supposed to do?

5/9/2017
For contest What annoys you
Sponsored by Frank Herrera

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 7/26/2018 9:27:00 PM
You teach grade 2, right, Agnes? You can't ask too much of them. I certainly hope a copy of this poem is on your website!
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Date: 6/5/2017 5:28:00 AM
I can relate Agnes. I guess it's just easier for them to ask instead of to read. I teach Reiki and I have found repeating things a lot really helps drum the subject in. Your students should be more aware considering the subject you teach. I love the playful way you have written this poem Agnes. Perhaps you might include it in your next syllabus! : ) 7
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Date: 5/10/2017 6:34:00 PM
You tell them: You snooze, you lose!!!
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Date: 5/10/2017 6:33:00 PM
AHA, another teacher!!! What do YOU teach? We were required to provide syllabi for all our classes until everything became so standardized at our school that students just know how it's done now by rote. If they goof up, they are out of luck!! I know how annoying THIS one is!! Awesome job.
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Agnes Krampe
Date: 5/10/2017 6:56:00 PM
I teach physics at a university. Mostly to engineering students (large class), and another, smaller class to biology majors.
Date: 5/10/2017 8:36:00 AM
I tried to always work ahead, just in case. But then again, i made good grades:) Love the humor, Mrs Agnes.
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Agnes Krampe
Date: 5/10/2017 8:49:00 AM
Oh great, you're back!!!! Thanks for stopping by, Daniel. I hope things are well in your family.
Date: 5/10/2017 7:30:00 AM
It's raining snowflakes...lol! I remember flying erasers, notebooks thrown, ripped up papers (in 4th grade because they weren't neat enough. LOL...love it! Good Luck! Teachers have to be tough!
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Agnes Krampe
Date: 5/10/2017 7:40:00 AM
But this is college and the kids are adults! I even give them a *quiz* over the syllabus as an incentive to read it. Alas....
Date: 5/10/2017 6:14:00 AM
My goodness Agnes you described so well the world I just left behind. And I had a blast because your fun and clever poem captured the reality of that world to a T; and that aspect of it my friend, I do not miss in the least:) Amitiés
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Anne-Marie Coreggia
Date: 5/11/2017 8:13:00 AM
I used to teach French (and Spanish for a couple of years only).
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Agnes Krampe
Date: 5/10/2017 6:35:00 AM
Thanks, Anne-Marie. Were you a teacher? What did you teach?
Date: 5/9/2017 7:10:00 PM
This made me smile, Agnes! bringing back all those old memories of when I never listened to the teachers! And yes, it definitely annoyed them! Best of luck to you!
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Agnes Krampe
Date: 5/9/2017 7:46:00 PM
Thanks, White Wolf :)
Date: 5/9/2017 4:58:00 PM
That would definitely annoy me...I just have employees who don't listen and can't follow the rules. This was fun Agnes.
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Agnes Krampe
Date: 5/9/2017 7:46:00 PM
Oh, that would annoy me, too, Chris.
Date: 5/9/2017 4:47:00 PM
I am sure many teachers can relate and the sad thing is Agnes they are dealing with young adults not little children who need more guidance! Hugs janxx
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Agnes Krampe
Date: 5/9/2017 7:46:00 PM
Thanks, Jan. yes, pretty much all my friends have the same lament :)
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