Undercover Teacher

I plunged into my second day of “teaching” in the middle of a Washingtonian farming community, eagerly facilitating a lesson on music as poetry. While I was excited to see nearly everyone engaged (despite the lack of preparedness on the part of 5 out of 6 guys), my primary “teacher moment” came during 2^nd period with a bunch of seniors. Yes, the seniors are working on their senior projects—which of course means that the entire period is spent dinging around, playing computer games, chatting, or sleeping on the floor (my cooperating teacher has pillows in her class!!).

The sub busied herself on the computer while I joined the circle of four girls browsing through Cosmo. Oh, I shant forget to mention the four boys that were on the fringe of our little circle--also listening in and commenting on Avril Lavigne’s new glam look. Motivated by the riveting conversations about gender, sexuality, and sex ed in my teacher-prep program, I started asking questions about the sex-ed program or lack thereof at Random High.

Rolling eyes, whispered asides, and awkward chair adjustments signaled that the sub was mortified that I was 1) allowing the discussion to occur, and 2) actually participating in it with comments and questions.
The pinnacle of the experience was when the sub mentioned how inappropriate certain kinds of sex ed were for an immature audience. All eyes turned to listen to her argument, then seconds after she’d finished her shpeel they jumped on it.

“Schools only allow facts, not discussion on personal feelings and choices”

“I’d make your mom jokes too”

“If they don’t hear about it, how will they make educated decisions?”

It was a beautiful sight. I wanted to to hug every single on of those kids. Amidst articles of sex faux paus, booty-call guidelines, and inappropriate doctor-patient relationships, I discovered that these seniors were critically thinking about the messages communicated through superficial magazines. Guys and gals alike criticized the advice of Cosmo editors and readers. In fact, these kids were very in tune with their own sexuality and all encompassing needs than I’m sure most adults would give them credit for.