Student Teaching

student teacher, any gender and barely older than the high school kids clustered around as they all hide, steps into their own light, from DeclarationDeclaration is published by YouthPLAYS. Click here to order a copy.

(Warning: Using this monologue without permission is illegal, as is reproducing it on a website or in print in any way)

STUDENT TEACHER

After Parkland, no matter what channel you were on, you kept seeing stories about those teachers who were total heroes. They literally died for their students, and that’s amazing.

(Beat.)

I came here to student teach math–for nine weeks. I need it for my certification. I started yesterday. And now I’m supposed to die for you?

(Beat.)

No offense, but I think I know like three of your names so far.

(Pointing at one student:)

You got a five out of five on the pop quiz, so I guess I’d die for you, and

(Pointing at another student:)

you had a good answer for that question about the angles of an isosceles triangle, so maybe you too, but you–

(Pointing at another student:)

and maybe you’re totally great–so far you haven’t participated at all, and I could see you drawing a dog pissing [peeing] on afire hydrant while that girl with purple hair was explaining sine and cosine at the whiteboard. I’ve seen better peeing dogs. But it’s only been two days–not even two days–and maybe in nine weeks you’ll be my favorite student. Probably not, though.

(Beat.)

I kinda’ just thought I’d see how I liked teaching, worst case scenario maybe get food poisoning once or twice from what appears to be your less than stellar cafeteria food. I didn’t expect to have to consider whether I’d take your bullet today. Maybe I should have.

(Beat.)

Seriously, though, I’m five years older than you. I’ve got almost as much life ahead of me–probably more than some of you with all that processed crap you eat. I guess what I’m saying is please don’t think any less of me if I don’t go your way on this one.