Floating through the school system

Last week I subbed at Harvard Park in Springfield.  It was an intense day of floating.  Floating, which I had never done, consists of teaching for about 15 minutes while the teacher goes to a meeting.  I spent 15 minutes with 20 kids, went across the hall and spent 25 minutes with 20 kids, and then had a long 1.5 hour stretch with 20 more kids.  After that, I only had two more 15 minutes with 20 different kids each.

You know how they say kids act up when there is a sub?  Well, about the time I would establish some authority, it was time to move on.  It seemed each class had at least 2 kids who just could not contain their feisty spirits.  My favorite kid of the day told me his name was something like Jerico Randall Shiffley.  He had just learned his middle name was Randall and he was very proud.  I think I called him Randy a few times before I could catch myself.

I am an advocate for gay rights and marriage equality.  I make that statement before writing about this particular student.  This young boy, Jerico Randall Shiffley, could be a poster child for the born this way argument.  This beautiful young man was as gay as anyone I have ever met.  I think it was a third grade class.  He was a slim, medium dark complexion boy with a huge, fake diamond earring in his left ear.  He was well groomed and dressed in an average fashion, though his shoes were a stylish splash of color.  He was graceful, witty, and an amazing personality, charming anyone who came near.

He was also sassy, observant, and independent.  A child after my own heart.  He spoke well and in the stereotypical manner of effeminate people.  He was a wonder to behold in the exceptional nature of his existence.  Just as many creatures in the animal kingdom are gender combined, so this young man was born as he was with a feminine spirit.

The trick here is how to take such a special young person and develop him into the powerful force for good that they are so obviously destined to become.  I'm not saying everyone doesn't have such potential, but some people have it more.  How could anyone with such wit and compassion not become a great leader?

When they say all men are created equal, I think I would adjust it to say under the law.  From what I see with my own eyes every time I teach, all men are not created equally.  There is a bell curve of all qualities ranging from saints to psychopaths.  Some are good at math and some are good at reading.  Some are good at deceiving, some are compelled to always demand the truth.

There was a boy in another class who stole.  The kids told me he stole, and I saw him stealing.  When confronted, he not only threw a fit, but stormed out of the room and went to the principle.  I called them to say he had stormed out and they replied, he's down here.

He is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the young prince described above.  I could only see in that sad child's future a life behind bars.  There is hope for him, but the cards are stacked against it.  The goal for all of us is to prevent his destructive nature from being advanced and developed by his parents into something dangerous and man sized.

Both of these children were from the same general social class.  I will simply call it disadvantaged.

What will become of them in this officious system?  How will they be nurtured?

We must suppress those among us leaning toward evil and support those who are driven toward good.