DH's parents were both public school teachers: His dad taught music, at all grade levels, for 35 years; his mom recently retired from her position as an aide in a high school Special Ed classroom. Last night, after DH indignantly read them the Superintendent's letter, the three of them got to talking about the olden days when all the really great teachers were still around.
This may be a had-to-be-there moment. Or maybe a have-to-know-FIL moment. In any case, it struck me as hilarious.
FIL is pretty old school; he believes in clear discipline and a firm hand in guiding the youth under his watch. For approximately half of his career, corporal punishment was allowed (though he only paddled a student once -- and after that, the legend of the paddling was a sufficient deterrent). This story isn't about him, but that fact will provide a little context.
"Hey," said DH, "remember Mr. SuchandSuch? He was awesome. One time Joe Schmoe forgot to bring his book to class. Mr. SuchandSuch looked right at him and said, 'Son, I want you to count the steps out to your locker. Get your book. Then count the steps it takes you to get back to class. Add those numbers up and divide by two -- I want to make sure you get a little math in! -- and that's how many times I'm going to bust your [butt]!' And that's just what he did."
Everybody chuckled. When the laughter died down, FIL sighed.
"Yeah," he said, smiling fondly and without a trace of sarcasm. "He was a really nice guy."
LMAO.
~RCH~
6 years ago
2 comments:
He DOES sound nice. I remember hearing kids get The "Board" of Education in grade school. At least that's what the teachers told us we were hearing. So different.
Btw, so glad you're back to blogging. :)
Wow....I agree with ya...I definitely prefer the new way of positive reinforcement over old school discipline, even if many argue it is too soft. Try not to worry too much...research study after study shows that a child's homelife is much more indicative of future sucess and happiness than any school experience.
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