hello sarah,
i remember when i started teaching i knew i didn't want to teach highschool
due to being fairly young (29). that's only approximately 10 years
difference between some of the seniors, and i had friends 10 years older and
could easily have friends 10 years younger...but you're still in college so
you only have a few years separating you from these boys. perhaps they don't
see you as an authority role. they are just testing you, probably flirting
with you in a cave man sort of way. i would talk to the principal and make
sure that he/she will back up whatever measures you have to take, then
explain to the boys that you do have this back up if they want to try their
antics. i would also find something that really interests them while they
are in your class. you do that and you'll have them.
vicki
