Teacher Applicant  After being interviewed
> By the school administration,
> The eager teaching prospect
>Said:
>"Let me see
> If I've got this right.
> You want me to go into that room with all those kids,
> And
> Fill their every waking moment with a love for learning,
> And
> I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify
>their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and
> Even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits.
> You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases,
> Check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and
> Raise their self esteem.
> You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship,
>sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote,
> How to balance a checkbook,
> And
> How to apply for a job.
> I am to check their heads for lice, maintain
> A safe environment,
> Recognize
> Signs of anti-social behavior, make sure all students pass the state
>exams,
> Even those who don't come to school regularly or
> Complete any of their assignments.
> Plus,
> I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps
> Get an equal education
> Regardless
> Of the extent of their mental
> Or physical handicap.
> I am to communicate regularly with the parents
> By letter, telephone,
> Newsletter and report card.
> All of this I am to do
> With just
> A piece of chalk,
> A computer,
> A few books,
> A bulletin board,
> A big smile
> AND
> On a starting salary
> That qualifies my family
> For food welfare!
> You want me
> To do all of this
> And
> Then you tell me...
> I CAN'T PRAY?"