"Let me see
if I've got this
right.
You want me to go into that
room with all those kids, correct their disruptive
behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor
their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and
instill in them a love for learning.
You want me to check their
backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually
transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self
esteem and personal pride.
You want me to teach them
patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and
fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a
checkbook, and apply for a job.
You want me to check their
heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial
behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final
exams.
You also want me to provide
them with an equal education regardless of their
handicaps, and communicate regularly with their
parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by
letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.
You want me to do all this with
a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a
few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that
qualifies me for food stamps.
You want me to do all this and
then you tell me. . ..... I CAN'T
PRAY?"