[NOBODY EVER TOLD ME] Wet Behind the Ears

NEA Today, Feb 2004 by Nichols, Robert L

Like many, I did my student teaching in a university town that used a lot of student teachers during the year. My turn came in January. I wanted to look good for my first day, so I dressed in my best suit coat and tie.

I was told to report to the high school for work. When I arrived, I found I had been assigned to teach ninth grade, which was located at the junior high school about four blocks away. Rather than drive four blocks, I decided to walk across a snow-covered field between the two schools. As I made my way across the field, which had about a foot of snow on it, I saw what looked to me like a sidewalk connecting the two buildings. As I stepped onto the sidewalk I heard a crack and found myself waist deep in a cold partially-frozen creek. I struggled out and debated whether it was better to show up late or wet. I chose wet and sloshed sheepishly into the principal's office and told him I was the new student teacher for the quarter. At least he held his laughter until I went into the hall to dry off.

-ROBERT L. NICHOLS

Retired art teacher, Eureka, Montana