Last week in practicum workshop, the instructor talked about some of the common impressions that folks on the street have when you tell them that you are going to be a special education teacher.  Most of the students there shared that common experience – that kind of glassy stare that people give you, like YOU might be the one who is “special,” the common clichés of “Oh, you must be so patient,” or “I could never do that.” 

            I had an interesting variation of this kind of encounter a few days later at the CVS.  While I was purchasing some dish soap and cat food, the cashier turned to me and said, “Hey, I think I know you.  Do you work at the Middle School?”

            “I used to, but I don’t anymore.” 

            “Yeah, I subbed there a couple of times, and you were my aide!"

            "Yeah, that's pretty likely."

            "That class was crazy.  I don't know how you could do that for a living!"
            She laughed.

            "So have you still been subbing around town?" I asked, after a pause.

            "Oh, goodness no!" she laughed again, bagging my cans of cat food.  "After that experience, those children of yours..." she trailed off, and focused on some point of space about two feet above my right shoulder.  "I just felt like there was no way - I just couldn't go back there.  It wasn't worth it."

              We stopped talking again.

            "So what have you been doing since you left the Middle School?" she asked.

            "I'm starting a Master's Program."

            "Oh.... good for you."