Spoiler alert: requires super glue El Camino is a very good high school. The students are respectful, and the staff is very helpful. Also, they pay 28 bucks an hour! The third Period is my honors bio class. It’s Friday, and I wanna try something new. Everyone in this class…

Walk Out Wednesday. The Turn I never expected. Bell Rings. I wait for one student. Tardy, Harmony bolts in the room louder than a third grader sitting at the adult's table. Before I arrive at the front of the room, Harmony shouts to her neighbor. “10:30 we’re leaving. We’re walkin…

Empathy and Understanding. Lessons I learned from an 8th grader. “Mr.Marks, step into my office?” The hairs on my neck prickle, and without hesitation I obey. “Close the door behind you.” The principal orders. Suddenly I get flashbacks to Middle School. Am I in trouble? A familiar fear pierces through…

When a High School Student forgets to drink coffee It’s 7 am and it's time for roll call. For a high school substitute teacher, this is the worst part of the day. This is not my first rodeo. So I make it as painless as possible. To avoid confusion I…