Dear Ann Landers: I’m sure your readers have seen the reality TV shows that are currently popular. Most of them involve some sort of physical and mental challenge. I have a game for them.
Drop three businessmen and three businesswomen into an elementary school classroom for six weeks. Each contestant will be provided with a class of 28 students and a copy of the school district’s curriculum. Each class will have five learning-disabled children, three with Attention Deficit Disorder, one gifted child, two who speak limited English and three labeled as having severe behavioral problems.
Each contestant must complete lesson plans at least three days in advance with curriculum objectives, and modify, organize and create materials to match. They will be required to teach students, handle misconduct, implement technology, document attendance, write referrals, correct homework, make bulletin boards, compute grades, complete report cards, communicate with parents and arrange conferences. They must also supervise recess and monitor the hallways, and complete drills in case of fires, tornadoes or shooting attacks. They must attend workshops, faculty meetings, union meetings and curriculum development meetings. They must also tutor students who are behind.
If they are sick or having a bad day, they must not let it show. They must maintain discipline and provide an educationally stimulating environment at all times. Lunch is limited to 30 minutes a day. They can golf on the weekends, but on their new salary, they won’t be able to afford it.
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The winner of the contest will be allowed to return to his or her job. –Teaching is Not Easy, Harrisburg, Pa.
Dear Harrisburg: I doubt any TV producers will go for your idea, but I’m sure every teacher in my reading audience will appreciate your version of reality. Teaching may not be easy, but a good teacher is worth his or her weight in gold. Thanks for writing.
Dear Ann Landers: This is in response to “California Question Mark,” who was uncomfortable that her recently widowed father wanted to bring his new love, “Jane,” to a family event.
Five years ago, my mother died after a long illness. Within weeks, Dad discovered he needed companionship. He shyly indicated to his friends and family that he would like female company, and he began dating again. Within three months, he met “Julie,” and they started keeping regular company.
Julie did not replace our mother, rather, she offered a new chapter for Dad. Children cannot supply all of a parent’s emotional needs. We were grateful that Julie could attend family events with Dad. When he died last year, we were so glad that he had had Julie as a friend. How empty his life would have been if he were forced to choose between his children and his companion.
I hope “California” will realize that her father may not have a lot of time left on this Earth. He deserves to enjoy the warmth of human companionship. — Omaha Girl
Dear Omaha: What a compassionate daughter you are. I wish all children would remember your words when their widowed parents begin dating again. Bless you for writing.
Gem of the Day (credit Milton Berle): “If evolution really works, how come mothers have only two hands?”
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