Teacher Preaches Class

Yesterday was a "no-student day" in Hillsborough County. Students took the day off and teachers had to go learn themselves a thing or two.

I attended a training session at the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg with friends Chris and Kristina. Two words: free bagels. We listened to Elise and Andy from ADL, along with Noreen from the museum, share teaching techniques and fascinating curriculum guides. All good. Until the tour. At that point, Kristina shared with me a story about her thighs and the docent gave us attitude.

"If you two would like to continue your conversation, please do so around the corner. You're distracting the rest of us."

Great. Teachers turn into students and we're in junior high all over again. Way to go, Kristina. Of course, in her defense, hot thighs are way better than Hitler.

A few minutes later, the docent blamed World War I on Germany and a teacher from Armwood High School lost his mind.

"Inaccurate!" he shouted.

The docent, embarrassed and appalled, gave an inch.

"Okay," she said. "I will say that's the way the world perceived the situation, which leads us to the Treaty of Versailles."

Angry Armwood regained composure and we continued with our Happy Holocaust Tour. Then the docent went and said Hitler was elected into office.

"No!" Angry Armwood yelled. "Not true!"

Several teachers whistled and stared at the ceiling. A few more walked out. I coughed "Oskar Schindler" and inched closer to the crazy history teacher. However, before I could flirt, the docent kicked him out.

"I want to see your supervisor!" he yelled. "I've been teaching this stuff for twenty years! I know more than you do! The pictures here aren't even accurate!"

We all know this guy. The one that ruins good movies because "Rob Roy really had black hair." (You're thinking, "You're that guy, Kate" but the only movie I ever ruined was Braveheart. Mel Gibson - too old for the part. Handle it.) Angry Armwood is one of those teachers who will end up medicated before Thanksgiving break. Guaranteed.

I wanted to whisper, "Happy thoughts" and explain there are many different takes on a historical event. The docent simply represented one viewpoint. We didn't have time for an in-depth discussion because, let's face it, happy hour was a-callin'.

"Germany had a right to be angry!" he shouted while authorities escorted him outside.

I just shook my head. Who knew King of Crazy was a Hitler apologist in disguise? Takes all kinds, I suppose. However, I couldn't help but wonder, "Was it worth a trespassing warrant?"



Kristina, Chris and I went along to happy hour. Thighs to discuss and all.