Back to school

Eight weeks flew by and we're gathering at the brain factory again to start the process with renewed vigor. That's the cover story. Actually we're getting together so we can listen to administrators reminding us how to teach and how to be enthusiastic "guides on the side." (The phrase comes from some advice I heard years ago: Instead of being the Sage on the Stage, be the Guide on the Side to help kids learn.) Uh huh. And if you believe that, there's a lovely large bridge that you might like to buy from me, too, for a song. In reality, most of us teach because we like helping people learn things, especially if it can improve their lives somehow. Most kids get that but some fight us all the way. Since I have a remedial class this year for the first time in ages, I may get to see more of the latter clientele than I've had in my classroom in a long time.