Blogboard

Teacher Magazine's look at what's new and noteworthy in educator blogs.

« OPEN MOUTH, INSERT FOOT... | Main | CAMPAIGN PROMISES »

IF WE DIDN'T LAUGH, WE'D CRY

NYC Educator recounts a day spent trying to convince administrators that he is, indeed, himself.

I was in my trailer, teaching something, when the phone rang. I picked it up.
"This is Miss Grundy from the switchboard. Is this NYC Educator?"
"Yes it is."
"Well I just sent a kid to your trailer with a coverage, and he says you told him you weren't you."
"Well, that can't be," I assured her. "I am most certainly me."
"AREN'T I ME?" I asked my beginning ESL class.
"Yes, teacher, you are you." they called out, with varying levels of enthusiasm.

A few minutes later, the phone rings again. It was the APO.

"This is Seymour Blatz. I understand you refused a coverage."

The conversation continues:

"Miss Grundy says you've been telling her monitors you aren't you."
"Well, Mr. Blatz, I am most certainly me. AREN'T I ME, CLASS?"
Screams and catcalls and "YES TEACHER YOU ARE YOU!"
"Okay, Mr. Educator. We'll try and find out who that person is."
"Thank you Mr. Blatz. Frankly, I'm a little upset about this character walking around claiming not to be me."
"I'll call security," he assured me.
"Thank you Mr. Blatz."
The bell rang.

We believe you, Mr. Educator.

Comments

I have a personal policy NOT to take phone calls while I am teaching. I make sure my students know this too. I'm there to teach, not to mess about with adults. I can do that on other time. They just have to wait.

Of course, perhaps your identity was being threatened with theft... ;-)

Post a comment

Ground Rules for Posting
We encourage lively debate, but please, no profanity or personal attacks. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.

Get Blogboard delivered by e-mail. Enter your e-mail here:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Advertisement

TM Archive