Hugs and Sexual Harassment

A 17-year-old Georgia high school student was suspended from school over a hug he gave to his teacher. Depending on who you ask, you get different versions about whether it was consensual with butterfly kisses, sexual, or just plain innocent.

As a teacher, I have a very strong view on this issue.

I teach adolescents who are learning about their bodies and its new capabilities. That's just nature. I can't control that beast. My steadfast rule is that you don't touch me and I don't touch you.

Certainly, I would never tolerate a student giving me a "hug" from behind or a "clingy" hug. There are exceptions, of course, to every steadfast rule. I have been known to allow a student a side-hug, in the view of another teacher, if the situation allows it and they initiate it. Let's face it, if it were the other way around, the mobs would be out in full force to put that teacher on a rail and run her out of town.

At 17, I would fully expect that a student would be able to control himself, even if he is from a family that "hugs." Not everyone is from that sort of family and, unfortunately, hugs can quickly escalate into something much more sinister, whether it is overt or covert. There is nothing like a good scandal to get the tongues a-waggin'!

I also teach my students that "no" means no. If someone tells you to stop doing something, whether it is physical or verbal, and they continue that behavior then it is undeniably harassment (shades thereof are open to context). Tried and true, as I like to say.

If a student gives you a hug, and you feel uncomfortable, then I believe a teacher (or anyone) is fully within his/her rights to say "no." It is something that students are not used to hearing. They perceive it as not applying to them, because they are only capable of seeing to the tip of their nose.

The bottom-line is that I don't want to become the main story on CNN's website!

Newtown Tragedy vs. NRA $$

As the memories of the children who died last Friday in the horrific Connecticut elementary school shooting begin to fade from national attention, the media is settings its sights on the legacy of the killer and the fate of semi-automatic weapons.

Much like the fabled second coming of Jesus Christ, we await "major news" from the NRA. I will wait starry-eyed, with goose flesh the size of Bordeaux grapes, and baited-breath for the glorious revelations of the NRA! (I am surely green with envy as I write.)

I'm positive that many politicians will be checking their re-election coffers twice this holiday season to see just how much extra treasure the NRA has put in their stocking.

After all, it's not guns that kill en masse; it's deranged lunatics with semi-automatic weapons who do.

I feel like the NRA may be working on a plan to resurrect Charlton Heston for a new pro-gun ad campaign.

Flu Shot

Yesterday, I voluntarily agreed to get a flu shot. I was visiting the doctor for some routine stuff, and he suggested I get a flu shot. Usually, I protest and turn down his offer. But this time, after some mild coxing, I relented and received my first-ever flu shot!

Now, I have heard horror stories of people getting the actual flu from the shot, but after getting my shot, I did some research and found out that the the viruses they use are utterly dead; therefore, there is no chance of becoming infected via the injection. Although, it is my first flu shot, I am glad that I accepted it. I do work in a setting where I am exposed to countless viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. Lord knows I should have caught it by now, but I haven't yet! Perhaps, this year will be a chance for a new yearly event.

Even though I detest needles, I detest being sick even more!

Dear President Obama

If I had been elected president of the United States in 2008, I would have done things a lot differently. As presidents go, Barack Obama had a staggering cult following and phenomenal ratings in the polls. How else could he have defeated Hillary Clinton? But, now, I digress.

January 20, 2009, is a day that will go into the history books. American voters threw off the yoke of racial divides and set forth a political revolution, of sorts, in national government. We elected a man that wasn't quite as pale as the ones who came before him. Obama will be remembered for that, surely. 

But I want to remember the promises that got him elected in the first place. Democrats put all of their eggs into a very limited basket. They were going up against a Republican machine that was limping and running out of steam. Democrats had the upper-hand and they won the United States Congress and the presidency. It was truly a remarkable election that opened the doors to true social progress.

The war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan were, and are, unpopular. George W. Bush left an enormous mess for the Obama administration to clean up. But has Obama done that? In a word: no. As a result. Democrats are starting to suffer in the polls. The 2010 election is less than a year away and Democrats in the House and Senate are feeling the effects of promises unfilled. It's not just the wars, though. Obama promised to work with the Congress to get Americans a healthcare system that they deserved. Healthcare is a civil right, after all. It is now January 2010 and Congress is meandering toward a watered down version of the promised reform, even though they hold a stark majority in Congress.

Weird.

January 20, 2009, would have been a much different day had I  been president, for sure. After being sworn in and delivering my inauguration speech to the world, I would have high-tailed it from the steps of the Capitol to the Rotunda where I would have signed two Executive Orders. 

The first order would have required all American military involvement in Iraq to cease on July 20, 2010. The order would have further stipulated that American forces currently in the country would be withdrawn in equal three six month phases. The second order would have required all American military involvement in Afghanistan to cease by January 20, 2011. As in Iraq, American forces would be withdrawn in an equal four six month phases. With my plan, the war in Iraq would be over and the war in Afghanistan would be three-fourths over before the 2010 mid-term election, which would ease the minds of American voters and demonstrate to them that, yes, wars can be ended in an orderly and responsible way. People say, "That can't be done." Yes, it can. I just made it happen. 

Also, in the afternoon of January 20, 2009, my administration would have presented to Congress a healthcare bill providing each and every American with access to appropriate healthcare. Would I have expected it to pass on the same day? Of course, not! But the whole idea needed to be in the minds of Americans from day one. In my administration, there would have been no time for late night parties. Parties are for when the job is done.  

I would have been on Capitol Hill frequently to see how progress was going on my healthcare bill. There would be no need for phone calls, I'd be there. Strong-arm tactics often work and are necessary when you believe in something deeply. As a teacher, I have a fool-proof method of getting something done. When all other options of compromise and cajoling have failed I reach deep into myself and let loose a psychopath. Between a yell and a hushed voice, and two inches from their face, I start saying over-and-over, "Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it!," while looking in their startled eyes and pounding my index finger onto the table. I love the look on the person's face as I do it. It is complete and utter fear and confusion. In their mind they are thinking, "This guy is completely nuts, I better do what he says or who knows what terrible things are going to happen!" I have a 100% success rate using that method. I would be happy to use that same method in the office of a senator or congressman/woman. There is no shame in winning.

I realize there are many, many other issues that cannot be solved in a single term as president, including the economic meltdown. But the whole point of being president is consistently running for office. After all, the next general election is less than four years away when you take the oath of office as president.

Double Standard

Something unusual happened today. I was at the Post Office, more appropriately I was in the parking lot. Before I got out of my car, I noticed a student that I had had before in class. I decided to wait in the car until she came out to avoid an uncomfortable meet-and-greet. As this student was exiting the Post Office, a car pulled up next to mine. Through a sheer act of serendipity, the person who got out of the car was one of my elementary school teachers!

In that second, three generations of education were converging into a single point. I did exactly what I didn't want my student to do. I rolled down my window and started hollering at my former teacher. It didn't seem hypocritical to me. I wanted to speak to someone I hadn't seen or heard from in ages. I wanted her to know that I was still out there and remembered her. Most of all, I wanted to thank her dedication and wish her well.

Upon reflection, perhaps that is all any of my former students want from me when they see me out in public. I was excited to see someone with whom I had spent nine months of my life. In the future, I will be more sensitive to that need from my students. The only problem with that is I can never remember their names. I can remember faces, but seldom can I remember their names. I'm not sure if my teacher remembered me or not. That was not the point, right?

'Tis the time to give

The holiday season is finally upon us. People are maxing out what credit they have left on their credit cards, before they default on their debt in January. Ah, to be an American at Christmas-time. This season I am reminded of that it is better to receive than give. When I go shopping for someone else (hint, hint), I always end up buying an assload of crap for myself, and forgetting who it was I intended to shop for in the first place. (I blame it on the ADHD I diagnosed myself as having.)

It's the season about me!

My family doesn't really do gifts. We eat and spend some time together. I don't really know why, other than it is part of our twisted holiday celebration. I just accept it, and go on with my life. It's not that major.

As a teacher, I am prone to receive gifts from my students. Some of them are sweet and well-planned, while others are spontaneous and tacky. But, in the end, it is the thought that counts, and I love everything I get. This year, I have to share a particular gift I received.

It came in a shiny, red box. It was wrapped in tissue and faux cotton. At first, I thought it was a hat, but then I realized the box was much too small. Then, I thought it may be jewelry. (Yikes.) I was eager to open up the box and feast my eyes upon something well-planned out and thoughtful. My pupils dilated with bated anticipation, no doubt.

Wow! I held my breath for a prolonged time, because I had to engineer a response to what was swaddled there in the green tissue. "Wow!" was all I could think of in that moment. I was overwhelmed by confusion and that nagging voice in the back of my mind asking repeatedly, "What the eff?"

I can fake compliment you all day long. One day, I will be recognized by the Academy for my genuine, heartfelt performances. But, I digress. There in the green tissue was something most unexpected. At first, I felt a bit insulted. But I said, "Thank you." The other students were shocked with curiously confused questions, such as, "What the heck is that?"

Yes, nestled there in the warmth of my then sweating palm was a tube of Chapstick. It wasn't even the flavored kind either. It was the original. I put it back in the box, which cost more than the item it concealed, and set it aside. Today, I came to the realization that this simple tube of 89¢ Chapstick, in its $3.00 box, was the perfect gift. I just put some on (after I carefully inspected to make sure it was indeed fresh and unused). It is the gift that will last far beyond December 25. It is the gift of happy lips.

The moral of the story? Be happy with what you get. But most of all, be prepared for the gift that you never anticipated, because it is coming, and it will blow your mind!

President Obama addresses America's youth

I don't understand why parents think that addressing students about their goals and education, by Barack Obama, is an act of socialism. I think it is an act of caring about our future. I was told by someone at school that a parent had come to the school to say that if we showed the television address she would keep her child at home that day.

I hadn't really thought about it, but I think now that I will show it. It only proves that people need a little culture in their lives!

Education: Quality or Quantity?

Arne Duncan, who is the new secretary of education, has some unconventional ideas about education. The one that strikes me most is his idea of extended the school year. This takes me to another discussion of quantity over quality.

The fact that Mr. Duncan makes such a suggestion illustrates his own ignorance of the education system. (Here's an idea: Why don't we hire a teacher for the nation's top education post?) America's students are not lazy, they are simply unprepared for the real-world. My first suggestion to Secretary Duncan would be to scuttle No Child Left Behind. It simply punishes schools for doing poorly. How can you expect anyone to do better if you keep sanctioning them? Instead of taking away money from school districts with low socioeconomic strata, let's infuse them with money so they can hire and retain more and better teachers, invest in technology and modern infrastructure.

By adding ten or twenty days to the school calendar you are doing nothing to address the underlying causes of why our school system is failing.

Autism: Today's Chic Epidemic

Michael Savage, who happens to be a conservative talk radio host, stated that there is no epidemic of autism in our nation. Surprisingly, I agree with Mr. Savage's point-of-view.

As a professional, who works in a public school setting, I understand what it means to brand your child as being "special." It means your child receives special services, which go above-and-beyond the daily services afforded general education students. It means receiving more government money to make ends meet. But most of all, it means you don't have to be responsible for your child's actions, because he/she is special, after all.

I attend parent/teacher conferences with parents about their child's behavior, academic progress, etc., on a routine basis. Unfortunately, most meetings do occur because of either a failing grade or misbehavior (but that's another story). Sitting across from my students' parents, I sense a disregard for parenting. I can honestly say that 8-out-of-10 parents I meet are unable, or unwilling, to accept responsibility for their child, either in the home or school. There is always an excuse why he/she behaved the way he/she did, and it very seldom involves anything at home. It is either a teacher, subject, other student, principal, cook in the cafeteria, janitor cleaning the restrooms, messy locker...and, yes, a mental/developmental disability.

Parents are substituting parenting skills with developmental/learning disorders. It is easier to put your child on medication than it is to confront what the real problems are facing that child and/or family. As I have said before in other blog entries, when I was a student, it was chic to be labeled as having attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Then, it morphed into attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Those disorders were all treated with a healthy daily dosing of prescription stimulants. The paradigm has shifted, however, from "my child has ADHD" to "my child is autistic." At the end of the 2007-2008 school year, there had never been a student in my school who had had the diagnosis of autism. Although, this coming school year brings in four students who wear that label.

Is autism a new disease? I do not think so. Before anyone attacks me for being insensitive, I understand there are authentic cases of autism; however, I do not accept that in a population of 150 students there are four legitimate diagnoses. These children probably are hyperactive with age-related developmental disorders. Instead of their parents dealing with behavior issues, they are happy to accept a "get out of jail" diagnosis of autism. After all, if it is autism, who says they have to control their child? Also, the diagnosis saves the medical professional from having to face angry parents who did not get their child labeled. It is easier to make exceptions.

In the end, my favorite part of every parent/teacher conference is when the parent throws his/her hands in the air and says, "I just don't know what to do! What would you do?" My response is simple: "My parents never had to ask someone else how to handle my discipline. They just did what had to be done." My parents did not beat me or abuse me in any way. But I knew when I had crossed the line, and neither Mommy or Daddy had to ask the teacher what to do about it. Let's just say my parents believed being grounded was stupid. I'll leave it there.

As for autism, I will accept these diagnoses with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Which political figure am I most like?

In my last blog, I mentioned my protégé/stalker, but he isn't the only person who admires me. I was told today by my colleagues that I am the Barack Obama of my school. I appeal to a broad base of people. I always bring out the best in people and leave them feeling as if they have hope. I didn't know if I should have been honored or horrified by their comparison. I suppose it is a good thing.

Can I use it to launch my own political career? Perhaps, in a few years when these kids are old enough to join the electorate! There' s an idea.

My Protégé

It would seem that I have a protégé/stalker at school.

There is this boy who wants to do everything that I do. Is that a bit odd? I've had students who like to hang out with me, but I've never had a student become so utterly obsessed with me. I had another teacher comment that he might be a stalker. I told her that he was just my protégé.

It's kind of funny, actually.

Simplicity of Life

School today was typical. I was stressed out a bit, which was better than most days. Out of the blue my spirits were lifted. A former student brought me a letter that he had written. He told me the assignment was to write a letter to a favorite teacher from your past. It wasn't anything I expected to receive, I admit.

He told me that he realized he probably bugged me to death, but I was never hateful. The most touching part was when he told me that he appreciated the fact that everyone is equal in my classroom. He said, "You treat everyone the same." That has been something I have worked very hard to achieve. I do believe each person is the same. No one is better because of who his/her family is. That's just how I see it.

It is nice to know that sometimes we do make a difference in someone else's life.

Communist-style suffrage

Cubans are going to the polls today in the first election since Fidel Castro disappeared from the national stage over a year-and-half ago for "intestinal" surgery.

The votes will go to fill the 614 seats of the National Assembly. Although, they expect about 90% voter turnout, each of the seats are not contested, including Fidel Castro's parliamentary seat, which means if they are breathing at the end of the election they are elected, including Fidel. The National Assembly will meet in future days to select a new president and Council of State. Some have speculated that the National Assembly will not re-elect Fidel Castro to the presidency, but instead his brother, Raul, who has been filling the presidential post since his convalescence, is seen as his successor. Fidel has previously said he will not cling to power, which might be foreshadowing to the Cuban people of a change in the top post, upon his official retirement to private life.

On a side-note, I often employ communist-style voting in my classroom. My students are always saying, "Majority rules! We want to vote." So, I say, "Sure, let's vote Soviet-style." That statement is always followed by moans, because they know what it means.

I present them with their choice, which is always my option. Then, they vote, but always reluctantly. Some say, "There's only one choice. That's not fair." I reply, "You wanted to vote and here is your choice, now vote!" Sometimes I have to employ some unscrupulous, strong-arm tactics to secure a win, but I always get 100% voter participation and support for my position, in the end.

Then, someone will always, as if on cue, whine, "Why do I have to do this?" My favorite line is: "You and the entire class voted to do it, that's why!"

I'm also fond of saying, "I'm Brezhnev and you're Czechoslovakia. Think twice before you cross me." I've only had a few students who have looked-up that veiled historical reference, however.

"Mmmbop"

Today, I stumbled across something that took me back in time to over ten years ago!

It was the song "MMMbop" by Hanson. When I was a senior in high school (all the way back in 1997), this song was a #1 hit. I remember one day going to my political science class and finding where some freshman had scribbled the song title on my table. I had to ask my friend what it meant. Then I discovered the song for myself. It is a pretty good song, because it is full of energy. I confess I hardly know what they are saying, but that really isn't the point, right?

I can dance to it...or any other activity which requires a lot of energy! (It was the 1990s...a different time.)

"Oh, so hold on to the ones who really care,
In the end they'll be the only ones there.
When you get old and start losing your hair,
Can you tell me who will still care?"

(God, that is so true. Thank you for being wise beyond your years.)

A Day in the Life of Any Teacher

There must be a lot of angst among us out there, when we reflect back on our lives as students and remember a teacher who was "strict."

Why do I say this?

In August, I wrote a blog called, "A day in the life of a 'strict' teacher." Specifically, out of all of my blog entries, this is the one that gets the most "hits" from Google. I hope it is not of out fear we remember strict teachers. In all honesty, those teachers that I presumed to hate in school, because of their Hitler-like classroom tactics, I now remember with fondness as being those teachers from whom I learned.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that you have to presume an air of hate to get the job done. I think I do pretty well in my classroom. I also remember the teachers who inspired me (not always the strict teachers). In fact, the teacher who inspired me to be a teacher was far from strict. She had something else, however, which was a passion for teaching and having her students learn.

What I remember most about this teacher was on a dreaded test day, she was walking around looking at what we were writing, and she stopped at my desk. (No one likes a teacher who breathes down your neck.) She looked at my essay, and she put her finger on it and shook her head. I was just "messing" my way through it without putting the facts that I knew in there. I was being lazy, in other words. It was more important to her that I expressed what I knew (and she knew I knew) instead of her taking it to her desk and marking all over it, without providing any other meaningful feedback.

That is one of the few direct memories of my education that still sticks in my mind. I appreciate that she took the few minutes to stand over my shoulder, in order to make me a more thoughtful student. In other words, she wasn't willing to accept "C" work from a student she believed could get an "A." (And consequently, I did get an "A" on that test.)

I'm not sure if I will ever be that teacher to a student. But what I know is that little things teachers do, which may not mean a lot to me as a teacher, will forever stick in the memory of a student. In the future, perhaps, they may garner internal support from it, or remember a time when someone else believed in them absolutely.

Whether your teacher was a tyrant who demanded perfection in everything you did, or an inspirational soul who gave you pause to reflect then and now, they probably will never know unless you take a moment to tell them your thoughts. I greatly appreciate those students who tell me little things about what they like about my class, or even those students from the past who come back to tell me that something they learned in my class directly relates to them now (either academically or personally). It is in those tiny moments of revelation--when everything up to that point has made you feel as if what you are doing is meaningless and every student has turned a deaf ear to you--that you really smile and realize you have made an impact on someone.

In the end, things like a student who comes back to say "hello," or even "thank you," are small blessings which mean the most to your teachers.

In this season of fanaticism...

There are people who feel as if their personal beliefs trump those around them, regardless of the personal beliefs of the other person.

Mostly there are people who would force me to hang the so-called laws of God, the Ten Commandments, in my classroom, even if it has been ruled unconstitutional by the federal courts. I said to one such person yesterday, "Would you like for someone to arrive at your church's doorstep and demand to hang up a document that was in the face of everything you believe?" Besides, I don't think those who have engaged in adultery, lied, stolen, committed murder (if only in their hearts), dissed their parents, put material things above God--either to own or be jealous of because their neighbor has it--hardly need to be reminded of their shortcomings as a human. (Subsequently, I just categorized every human being on earth who has been alive for more than 0ne minute.)

My humble opinion is simply worship in your heart, at church, wherever, but allow public places where many people of different faiths and beliefs congregate to remain neutral.

I'm cool now

Even though I think I am already pretty cool, this little decal on my car's window (thanks to someone who shall remain nameless in this particular blog), has turned me into someone uber cool. My students think it is the best thing that I have the FOX Racing decal on my car.

Who knew? Besides, I think he looks kind of cute there.

My Trap

Every year I fall into the same trap, as a teacher. Each new year, I say, "Nope, not this year, I swear to God!" But guess what? It happened yet again.

It's not something that I plan. It's not something that I look forward to at all. They just sort of spring up out of the darkness, like a terminal disease, and then I'm doomed.

I always end up playing favorites among my students, and it makes my job much more difficult. I am usually a very serious person. There is always one student (or two in this case) who just takes up the cause of becoming "teacher's pet" in my classroom.

This is a subject that I never thought about when I was growing up. Of course, you always noticed there were certain students who got away with murder while others got the proverbial gas-chamber for something rather minor.

I never dreamed it would happen to me.

For some reason, they always rely on me a little too much, play my good graces like a professional pianist, and manipulate my ignorance like a convicted felon. In my mind, it is a dark art, because I do not realize what they have done until it is too late; it's like being painted into a corner and the paint dries much too slowly.

Normally, I am like a steel trap. It ruins things for me on a professional level when this happens. I hate to be harsh. And when you finally do get harsh, they always say, "You remember that time you didn't get mad when I did that." Then you sort of back off and they win again.

Luckily, I've never let things get as bad as my first year as a teacher. I had a student who liked to be the boss. He reminded me a lot of myself at that age. I was his "get out of jail free card" for everything grizzly and horrific. When he crossed the line with another teacher or fellow student, he came running to me hoping that I'd bail him out. Being a schmuck, I did.

The other students absolutely abhorred him. They always called him "teacher's pet." I can already see it happening all over again, to a certain degree. They don't seem to mind the seeming stigma of being labeled as a teacher's pet. There must be a deterrent for this type of behavior. The best idea would be to find it before the behavior begins.

I suppose I really must think of a plan to handle this situation! I admit, however, it is not likely to occur.

Ignorance Is Tiring, et al.

Sitting in the teachers' lounge today reminded me of why I seldom go to this pseudo-sanctuary of frayed nerves, tears, and high drama.

Simply, within two seconds, I was verbally accosted as to my feelings on former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee as being the Republican presidential nominee.

Firstly, I have no positive feelings on the subject. He is a Republican, which pretty much sums up my feelings for him. However, being the nice guy I am (Ha! Ha!) and wishing to utilize my own political savvy, I put on an extra layer of charm, and said the nicest thing I know about Governor Huckabee: "He sure did lose a lot of weight!"

I had two choices in that moment. I could have shown my true political color and been skinned alive by my colleagues for being a godless liberal, but instead I chose to steer the conversation away from politics altogether, which is safest in my field of work.

It's funny, because within two seconds the conversation was on a benign topic: weight loss.

In a moment of severe randomness, though, a female teacher piped in that she thought a woman should never be president. If I hadn't put up with burgeoning hormones all morning, I might have had some strong words to say on that subject. I can tolerate many things, but pure ignorance is not something I can usually grin and bear. There is absolutely no basis to say that a woman cannot be president of the United States.

I wanted to ask, if you think a woman's place is in the proverbial kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, why do you bother to work, much less vote? Some people are so uncouth. I'm going to get her a Hillary '08 bumper sticker for Christmas. It might do her some good!

On a lighter note, during my walk back to the classroom, I had one of my students walk with me. Our conversation was rather interesting. He wanted to know what I thought of his outfit, which included a purple button down shirt and rather smart black, leather jacket with the collar popped. He said that it was "a casual look." I told him that I thought he looked quite dapper, considering he was dressed quite unusually for a boy of his age. Then, in a classic middle school mindset, he blurts out, "I heard some kids say you're queer!"

I simply looked ahead, not acknowledging what he said; then he repeated himself, a bit more loudly. He was quite serious--and persistent. His expression was rather nonchalant. It was as if he just told me he enjoyed my apple pie, and then he was requesting a copy of my recipe. I glanced at him and said, "You should tell people in the hallway to mind their own business."

Although, it was interesting, it is an all too common question for me. I think I am going to have some business cards printed.

Father forgive me...

Now, I'm akin to a Catholic priest. I'm a pedophile, I get away with it and that's how I like it.

According to an article by The Associated Press teachers are nothing more than a festering sore of pedophilia and sexual misconduct. I am not trying to make excuses for those people who abuse their roles as an educator. In fact, I believe people who perpetuate the myth that it is okay to have a personal relationship with their students should lose their license to teach.

One so-called expert stated that in each school district in our country there lies a predator just waiting to get his/her teeth into the right student. I know most of the people I work with on a daily basis, but I confess I don't know what is in their hearts. Truthfully, can we know the thoughts of any person unless they act upon them?

In my school district, a number of years ago, a teacher was charged with having an inappropriate relationship with a ten year old female student. The guy lost his certification, license to teach, and was sent to prison for two years. I realize it does happen. It is sad to say, but mostly the family was excited by the large settlement they received from the school district in compensatory and punitive damages. The school system decided to settle the case quietly, after it became quite a media spectacle. The family had bigger lawyers than O.J. Simpson did during his murder trial. And, you guessed it, they worked pro bono, just waiting for the money to roll in and get their names on the television.

But it is unfair to characterize an entire profession based on the actions of a few questionable individuals. There are people who will abuse their position in ever profession, from doctors, to lawyers, to ministers. I have been guilty of making jokes about priests in the Roman Catholic Church, but do I honestly believe they are a cesspool of perverts?

Of course not.

I have worked very hard for my station in life. I put in many hours of study, years of hard work, and took many, many standardized exams to wear the hat of an educator. Each morning, I put on my teacher I.D., which hangs around my neck. It may sound silly, but it represents my authority and my charge. I show it to students when they misbehave or question my decisions and authority. Many times, I simply have to touch it with my finger and a troublemaker settles down. There are no words, just an understanding. Like a king or queen of long ago, who might have worn an obscenely large gold necklace around his/her neck holding a pendant representing their authority, or a coronation ring on their finger to remind their subjects of their absolute sovereignty, my teacher I.D. is the same to me.