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I started writing this blog in 2008, toward the end of my first year of teaching. These posts about my experiences as an NYC Department of Education teacher have been (and continue to be) assembled over a period of several years. They don't necessarily need to be read in chronological order, but my very first post, "Context" (March 2008) might be useful as an introduction into this lunacy. While most of my stories highlight the ridiculousness of being a public school teacher, I should note that I love my students and care deeply for them. So as you read, please keep in mind that I do in fact have a soul, as well as a heart; and that heart of mine brims with pride every time I think about my students' talents and breaks with pain every time another one gets screwed by the system.

March 25, 2008

He called her a Jerk.

THIS IS FUCKING HARASSMENT WOMAN! I yell into my phone as I listen to yet another 2-minute long voice message from Ms. Sherry Annette Fern:

"Hi Ms. Mystery, time now, 4:56. Ms. Mystery, Roberto called Mildred a jerk today. And another boy made fun of her breasts because they're big....Mildred! Who was that boy?!....You have to tell me. Think carefully. I need a name!... Anywho... these kids, they come to school to learn, not to be teased. She just can't help that they're so big. She's a big girl. But that's no reason to be called a jerk. Ms. Mystery, you better set this right, before I come over there and fix it myself. Tell them to stop picking on Mildred. She ain't done nothing wrong. And I told her not to curse back, but if they be cursing at her, well then I told her to curse right back. Just as long as you don't catch her. 'Do it when Ms. Mystery's not listening,' I tell her. Anywho, I'll know you'll make it .... beeeep."

The voice mail machine cuts her off. Shockingly, she doesn't call back to finish her message. Most times she leaves voice messages so long that she has to leave her messages in thirds. Apparently, 2 minutes isn't enough time before the beep, so she averages about 6 minutes per each entire message, from beginning to end (not counting pause time in between dials).

After quickly thanking the heavens above for the brevity of her message, the anger hits me:
FUCK! They're in 4th grade! NO SHIT your 9-year old daughter's gonna be picked on when she's lugging around sagging Double Ds down to her knees that you can see through the mesh shirt in which you dressed her this morning!

And let's be honest lady, when was the last time the word, "jerk" hurt anybody's feelings...ever?

Never.

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