In the late 60’s, the Federal government was pushing the Teacher Corps program. In return for a two year commitment to teach in inner city schools, you would receive a tuition free Master’s degree in urban education in evening classes. I was finishing my year as a Vista Volunteer in West Virginia, and the thought […]
Dee was a firecracker, full of attitude and energy. She had a smile that lit up the room and the self-confident swagger of a seasoned stage professional. We were eating from the palm of her hand the moment she took the stage. There was no question that Dee would play the part of Addaperle, the […]
I don’t know why I got so annoyed with her. I just did. Yes, I did throw the pencil, but I really don’t think I told her to go fuck herself. Maybe it was that fight with my Mom this morning when I was late, and the stupid blasted lace on my cordoba red Doc […]
The boy was so irritating to me. He was often sent to me in my role as disciplinarian. Last year it seemed that only I could calm him down, reason enough with him to get him to go back to class, and get him to focus at least minimally. This year, his behavior was better, […]
One recent night my teenaged daughter, her friend, and my friend and I attended a talk at our local church by a Professor of Religion from Marlboro College. Our welcoming pastor, my neighbor, was enthusiastic as she introduced him. This young man then spoke for well over an hour about the history of […]
Debbie: What’s burning you up? What’s kindling your schist? Who’s responsible, and what can we do about it? On some days my helplessness turns to fury, some days to tears. Other days I can look on from a far, far distance and see that this is just the way the world sometimes turns. And then […]