“The real problem is not that we are different, nor that we disagree and have conflict. It's that most of us automatically view conflict as something negative rather than as a tool God can use to help us better understand ourselves and one another.

--Robert Ricciardelli”

Monday, March 12, 2007

The Teacher Applicant

After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect
Said:

Let me see If I've got this right.

You want me to go into that room with all those kids, and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning.

And, I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits.

You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self esteem.

You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job.

I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, make sure all students pass the state exams--even those who don't come to school regularly or complete any of their assignments.

Plus, I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps Get an equal education regardless of the extent of their mental or physical handicap.

I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter and report card.

And, I’m supposed to do ALL this with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, a big smile, AND a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps!

You want me to do all of this…



And, then you tell me...

I CAN'T PRAY ?