Let Me Teach

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An elephant, some dolls, and a few bears,

All lined up in plastic chairs.

Slumping over in their seats.

They do not really listen to me.

 

No, no, no.

This is wrong.

This can't be right.

 

"Oh, you don't want to do that!"

"Are you crazy?"

"Are you sure?"

"Kids just aren't the same way anymore."

 

No, no, no.

This is wrong.

This can't be right.

 

It's that system.

It's those lawmakers.

They aren't on the front line.

They don't know how we spend our time.

 

No, no, no.

This is wrong.

This can't be right.

 

"Welcome! Please join our discussion," they say,

"We're talking about student-centered instruction and developmental delay!

There's backward planning, multiple intelligences, and the optimal learning model!

But remember as we talk, we are honest, we do not coddle."

 

Ah, yes.

This is better.

This sounds right.

 

But something is still missing...

 

Yes, I know about those crazy kids,

with their hormones and attitudes and open lids!

Yes, I know the system is cumbersome

and the lawmakers are distant,

but there are students out there!

 

Oh wait, that's it!

 

It's the students that are missing.

Not the stuffed animals or dolls

that listen to me ramble on and on.

But living, breathing students!

With thoughts! With emotions!

With brains and mouths!

 

They're there for the teaching!

They're there for the count!

They're there so I am there too.

I want to teach regardless of who. 

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