The Winner of the Worst Teacher Award Is.........

MR. HAINES!

I didn't plan to talk about teachers again but more memories of poor teachers came pouring in from my friends.

One teacher stands out from all the rest: Mr. Haines – he who made examples of an overweight girl vs. a thin girl in front of their class.

Mr. Haines taught thirteen and fourteen year old students. Based on what I've heard, he didn't like girls; or perhaps he didn't like children. More examples of his misdeeds were forthcoming:

One day he asked if any of the girls had a mirror. When my friend raised her hand, Mr. Haines had her bring her mirror to the front of the room and stand there, looking at herself in her mirror, chewing her gum, until he told her she could sit down.

That same girl borrowed her friend's typewriter and worked especially hard to turn in a paper that was perfect. It was a time when many students didn't have typewriters. When she handed her paper to Mr. Haines, he gave her a smirking look and said, "I'd better not see another one like this."

So, Mr. Haines, wherever you are, please do not wait for any of your former students to show up with a special Hallmark card for you. Do not wait for any of them to tell you how you inspired them to be a teacher too. And, if you have gone on to your just rewards, may your eternity be spent as a student in a classroom with a teacher just like you were.