A Teacher's Tale

A rare departure from my usual posts: divisiveness since Scott Walker

Today I saw a parent from afar who I remember from when I had his daughter, Ashley, in my class a few years back.  Today he watched with pride--as did I--as his daughter excelled in a school district competition. Ashley was quiet, a bit insecure, but she was bright, polite and helpful, and was truly an enjoyable kid.  I tried to give her tasks to build her confidence, I gave her special projects to keep her challenged and excited.  Her parents seemed happy with her experience in our classroom.

About six weeks ago, my teaching colleagues and I walked through our community to share our views on Governor Walker's budget bill.  Some carried signs, most of the garden variety, "Honk, if you like teachers," things like that.

A few people did honk.  Not a lot, but in this heavily-Republicanized county, it was still reassuring.  More shook their heads in disgust as they went by.  A couple passers-by gave us the finger, community members I recognized, and with whom I had exchanged greetings on occasion.

And I can picture Ashley's dad, hanging out his car window, veins popping from his neck, his voice angry as he hurled insults defaming my profession, my school, my personal character.  And then he turned his car around and did it again.

Not long afterward, his wife came by, with Ashley in the passenger seat.  Ashley's mom honked, and continued honking, with her left hand out the window, furiously pumping a thumbs-down.

And all I could think of was, "Hey, remember me?  I taught your daughter.  I cared for her, built her spirit, nourished her intellect.  I was proud--still am--to say I was her teacher."

Well, that's not all I thought.

I thought how truly sorry I felt for that poor, little girl.