The Substitute

The students in the one-room schoolhouse had learned long ago that they were in charge. The students were unruly and impossible to manage. They were proud of the fact that they had run all ten of their intended teachers out of the position so far that year. That was until Mrs. Snyder arrived.

Mrs. Snyder walked up the steps with an air about her. She had arrived at school long before the children got there so that she could get the fire burning in the fireplace. As the students filed into the room, it was warm and toasty.

When it came time to pull the slates out of the wooden box by the board, the boys held their breath, waiting to hear her scream when she saw the mouse. But she didn’t scream: she picked it up and threw it out the open window.

Deflated, the kids resigned themselves to completing the lesson. Mrs. Snyder had a way of making things interesting and entertaining. Before they knew it, it was lunchtime.

At the end of the day, Mrs. Snyder thanked the students for their hospitality. She explained that she was the substitute called to teach for just one day. The students looked stunned.

“Mrs. Snyder, you’ve got to stay,” cried Joey. “You’re the best teacher I’ve ever had.”
“That’s right,” added Missy.
“Please stay!” the students chanted.
“Oh, alright! If you insist,” said Mrs. Snyder with a twinkle in her eye, and she began unpacking her bag.