Most would assume an ISS monitor is probably that stereotypical job that is always hiring because it is terrible. Some might further say working with potentially problematic kids is very difficult. Mr. Abel claims that patience is the biggest skill one can have in this job. However, I’m here to tell you that Mr. Timothy Abel is probably the most nonchalant person you will ever meet in your life.
What made him want to be an ISS monitor? Well, Abel actually applied for a custodian job first and worked there for four years. However, he decided to rip the bandaid off and apply for the ISS monitor position. Two-and-a-half years later, he is still in this position at Madison and is very happy with his spot. He loves his job because although he says it can be stressful, it’s really rewarding to be able to help kids and watch them grow. So much so that students actually come to visit him even after their time in his class. Although he’s not an academic teacher, he always tries his best to help students and offer them advice when possible.
One year, he had a student with a failing grade in science class for most of the year, and Mr. Abel helped them work through homework so well that the child passed the class and received credit. Additionally, he has a daughter who is a freshman this year, and he hopes to finish his years with her until she graduates.
Every job has bad days to come with the good, and in this position the bad days can be a little extreme. Abel says, the days can be very chill or quite stressful, you never really know until the time comes. Although he’s only been at Madison for two-and-a-half years, he’s witnessed many fights. However, out of all this fighting not one time has he ever seen one in the classroom. Yes, although some verbal words have come out, there has been no physical tension between two students in his classroom. So how does he handle with confrontation? Back when he was in high school, he used the school printer without permission to make shirts. In doing so, he got caught and had to do ISS for awhile. So this experience taught him to be more understanding of these kids, so he knows how to handle stressful situations better.
