The Pocket - A Tale from the Classroom

(Audio supplement available at the end of this post)

During my first year of teaching, I had this one long-term position as a "Resource Specialist" for a few weeks at Blaker-Kinser Jr. High. One of my classes had about 18 students. There was also a paraprofessional (resource aide) in that class with me. The environment was fairly close-quarters because it was a smaller classroom, with not-so-many students.

This day in particular I was helping students with their math homework. I would walk over to each student, squat down in front of their desk, and help them with their work. At the time I actually used to carry a pen in my top breast pocket. Needless to say, on this occasion the pen-cap caught itself underneath the edge of the desk. When I stood up, the pen folded forward (the base of the pen forming a fulcrum against my chest), ripping my breast pocket completely down…

SHRRRZZZZZZZZZZIP !

" S H * T ! "

(Yep, I actually blurted out loud.)

Though not yelling… it was enough for EVERY kid in the room to hear me. So did the aide. Even though they were resource students they had enough presence of mind to say NOTHING other than staring, some with mouths agape.

My pocket continued to hang down, flat against my shirt for the rest of the day. I taught the rest of my classes as stoically as possible… having to explain to EACH following class why my pocket was ripped off…

Lesson: Do NOT stick pens in your shirt pocket.