From time to time, I run into one of my school families outside of school- at the grocery store, at Target, at the pool, even at church.
Very often the child gets “shy” when she sees me. I can understand; she’s confused by seeing me outside of where I “belong.” How can this be? That teacher is always at school. That teacher must LIVE at school. For I literally only see her at school. So what is she doing here- in this store, for example?
The other day at my town library I ran into my student Jeffrey. I adore the library. I always have. As a child, we rode our bikes to the library and spent hours there. It was such a treat that at no cost we could take out piles of books in which to delight.
An aside note to you parents: We are always looking for things to do with our kids. If you are not a library user, start today! It’s convenient, it’s free, it has so much to offer, and above all it fosters that great habit of reading in your child.
Okay, end of library advertisement and on with the story…
I still enjoy how the library has that special way of slowing me down, and occasionally I do still enjoy a good novel. So on this summer afternoon I decided to stop in to the library and choose a couple of bestsellers to read before we reopen in September.
As I exited, books in hand, Jeffrey, along with his mother and siblings, was entering. “Oh hi,” his mom and I greeted each other. Jeffrey remarked, “The police are out there.” He was right. Our municipal building is part library, part police department. “Yes, Jeffrey, the police officers work over there,” I pointed. “Look at us- we both like coming to the library!”
Jeffrey was having none of this library talk with this “stranger” his mom knew. “The police put people in jail,” he mused. His mom chuckled and explained that Jeffrey was worried he was going to jail because he didn’t stay on the sidewalk outside.
Jeffrey continued his thoughts on the police: “It was noisy.” His mom added, “There was some commotion out in the lot and the cruiser had its siren on. Jeffrey’s afraid he might go to jail because he wasn’t listening to me about staying on the sidewalk.”
“Jeffrey, you don’t need to worry about that because you’re a good boy,” I said.
Suddenly Jeffrey got a look of recognition on his face and said “You’re in Lenape Kiddie Kollege.” “Yes I am. I’m your teacher. Remember my name, Miss Theresa? We have fun at summer camp together, right?”
“Yeah,” he smiled. A moment later: “I don’t want to go to jail.”
“You won’t go to jail, Jeffrey, because you you follow the rules and do the right thing, right?” Jeffrey smiled, looking relieved.
We said our goodbyes, and as I walked out the door I could hear him announcing to his siblings, “That is my teacher.” A little louder- “THAT is my TEACHER!”