After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching
prospect said, ‘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 state exams.?

You want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their
handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents 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?’?