Forgetful Memories

In the post Substitutions Allowed, I relayed the positive memories I had of substitute teaching in the late eighties. In this profession I was not always at my best. (I was in my mid twenties at the time.) Here’s what some people had to say about by ability to instruct children.

·       On February 2, 1988, Principal Marisa A. Craig of Fairwood Elementary said, “He was on the playground reading a book during his duty time. He came into the office and wanted to be released for the day. He sent a child to another room, and said he refused to work with the child (15 minutes after school started).

·       On December 16, 1987, Teacher Carolyn Keller of Trevitt Elementary had a long list of complaints. Here they are:

o  I found computer disks out of the box, spread all over the room.

o  My attendance cards were scattered all over the desk as well as my lesson plans for previous weeks.

o  He did not do the assignments I planned for.

o  Instead of presenting the reading lesson to the children and having them respond, he read the same story of the book to them.

o  I had made specific lesson plans because I knew I might be out. He did very little to follow them and used other materials that were inappropriate for the lesson.

o  He was very rude to several other teachers by slamming doors and begging some of the children for food.

·       On June 16, 1988, Principal Steven C. Stone of Moler Elementary had the said this to say (from a much longer letter): “I would recommend that you take a hard look at your career choice. You might consider teaching in a private school where student values are more closely related to yours. You might also consider finding an entirely new career. I can only warn you that much inner turmoil and stress will be the result of constantly subjecting yourself to a situation that most of our population would find quite difficult.”

·       Principal Robert Kimball of Oakmont Elementary was the bright spot in my day. He said the following on October 22, 1987: “Bob worked with me twice-once at Beck (kindergarten) and once recently here at Oakmont (grade 5). On both occasions, I found him to do a very good job.  He was thorough, helpful, followed the teacher’s plans, improvised as needed, and overall did a very good job. I would welcome him back anytime.”

Sometimes it takes others to bring out the truth we may not want to see. Eventually I got into a job where I met my wife and as a result of that bought a home in Gahanna, and had a daughter I love, and got our three Chihuahuas that make me laugh.

I doubt any of that would of happen if I had been a teacher. I can’t deny the proof these statements from the Columbus Public Schools supply. What I can say my future has always been in the hands of Someone more knowledgeable than me. God is there for you too. All you have to do is call out to Him.