I'm out of touch with the times ...
Growing up, if we did anything at school to cause the teacher to give us 'special attention', whatever the consequences, it would be nothing compared to the reception we'd get once we arrived home. And even this was just a mild foretaste of what to expect once father returned from work.
In our area, we get re-runs of "My Three Sons" in the afternoon. Since the guy's driving a 61 Chevy, the program was probably created in the early to mid 1960's. The program, although dated in many ways, offers a refreshing change from today's TV families where 'parents' seem only too pleased to constantly cater to a profoundly unpleasant litter of mouthy spoiled brats. But then again, go to any McDonald's on a Saturday morning and watch two-career guilt ridden adults kissing the arses of their three year old tyrants and today's TV looks quite realistic.
I don't envy teachers' jobs. Time was, this was a modestly paid but highly rewarding profession. I think it's degenerated into a relatively well paying, high-stress, low satisfaction, waiting until early retirement purgatory. Granted, there are quite a few truly gifted and dedicated teachers: God bless them; for they are saints. I was fortunate to have had more than my share of wonderful teachers, especially in the early grades where it makes a tremendous difference: I wish I could thank them.
Cheers, PW. |
