The book I'm reading reminded me of a story. After teaching 7 years in "liberal" California, I decided to return to my homestate if I could find a job. The Pomona smog was horrific in the early 70's, my wife had a baby on the way, and I didn't want the baby's first inhale be filled with dirty air.
Anyway, I flew back for an interview with the supt. in my hometown. I was warned about several things: wear a tie, cut my hair, shave my beard, act pious. Of course, I did none of these things. I did lie about going to church. "Yes, I was raised a Methodist--went to St. Mathew's", etc. etc. In my community, there were no such things as atheists. "What do I think of the war in Vietnam?", he asked. I told him I preferred peace, but it was necessary to fight those commies. Another fib.

He evidently liked me (or was desperate), because I was hired. My principal, however, didn't approve of my "unkempt" appearance, and gave me a rough time concerning my disregard for the unwritten rules. We had our go arounds, but I was too good of a teacher to be lost (at least I thought so!).

Hell, I even taught evolution! Verboten! I got in a heap of trouble over that. The very word was not even in my science text book! None of the other science teachers spoke the word because they were "fundamentalists", more or less. It's still that way around here. This blows me away, but that's another story.

Somehow, I managed to survive 25 years teaching in the same district. Thanks to me, men began dressing casually and grew facial hair. I always was a rebel! And I miss teaching--a little.

Comments:

First, I'm just glad that you got that job, Randy, and that your bright progressive science teaching enriched the minds of all those students over the course of your career! I do need to say one more thing. Maybe I've been under a rock, or just discounting "creationism" as being ridiculous and illegitimate "science," but how, other than with sheer political force of will and intimidation, ever did any faith-based non-empirical religious-based philosophy wedge its way into scientific educational curriculum? Creationism is a legitimate course of study in Religion, certainly; in Humanities or Philosophy, possibly; but in Science? Come on!

comment by marta on July 19, 2008 12:21 PM ()

Funny thing, I used to "teach" both. But I did it for two reasons. I wanted to "compare and contrast" both ideas. And I wanted to expose the ridiculousness (for lack of a better term) of creationism. Like I said, I had parents complaining, but I held my own with my explanations. I was very professional and didn't berate religion, the Bible, belief, etc. Just the facts, m'am.Thanks for your comment.

reply by solitaire on July 22, 2008 4:54 PM ()

I'm not sure how anyone couldn't take "Intelligent Design" as something serious...now in a literature class based on fiction yes....

comment by strider333 on July 19, 2008 12:44 AM ()

Be careful--you don't want to ruffle any feathers. Read the book I recommended to Jondude below.

reply by solitaire on July 19, 2008 7:00 AM ()

There's a lot to be said for those who stand there ground and don't change who they are to fit in with the norm. Totally respect that!

comment by jennrud on July 18, 2008 9:47 PM ()

Thanks Jenn. And if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

reply by solitaire on July 19, 2008 6:57 AM ()

comment by jondude on July 18, 2008 5:49 PM ()

The only intelligent design I believe in is in my own head. Glad to know there are others like me.

reply by solitaire on July 19, 2008 6:55 AM ()

It was probably hard to "stand your ground" so to say, but it's great that you didn't "conform". That alone can teach and impact students. It says, we should be able to be what we "want" to be.

comment by shesaidwhat on July 18, 2008 5:57 AM ()

Thanks. I reckon it's just who I am. Are you a nonconformist?

reply by solitaire on July 19, 2008 6:34 AM ()

This is horrifying.... not the story, the whole world is well aware of the ignorance of so many citizens of the USA and the low standard of education in most states, what horrifies me is that of all the comments to this post only jondude was surprised, or concerned that the teaching of evolution is banned in schools and that so many teachwers are fundamentalist christians. Don't you guys realise you are heading back to the 'dark ages'? Why isn't there a revolution? Why are ignorant people with no scientific training or knowledge elected to school boards and then permitted to declare which text books are to be used for teaching science! In rational countries, the education department of each state government decides what will be taught and is advised by educated experts in the field. Truly, I am shocked to the core. Here, a member of parliament wanted to introduce the notion of Intelligent design, and was severely condemned by the media and every rational person. Apathy leads to dictatorship, and the USA is on the way to becoming a theocratic dictatorship.

comment by clovis on July 18, 2008 12:07 AM ()

I don't think the teaching of the concept of evolution is banned in US schools and it is taught mostly everywhere. The places where this is verboten are in small pockets of fundamentalist thinking that dot the landscape and where idiots have gotten into positions of local power in communities where not much independent thought exists. Adding to the problem is the fact that teachers, esp. at the elementary school level, have come thru college as education majors, the easiest field of study there is. They are not exposed to the things that many of us couldn't get enough of in college; they do not get a liberal arts education; so they come out of college and head into the schools as teachers without the kind of credentials you'd hope for. People like Randall are an exception to the rule.

reply by looserobes on July 18, 2008 5:01 PM ()

Where do I start? It IS scary, but so very true. We say there's a division of church and state (it's in the Constitution), but in reality, it doesn't exist. If I ran for school board as an atheist and evolutionist, I'd be lucky to get one vote other than my own! Seriously. After you read that book I recommended on the birth of Australia, read the one I mentioned to Jondude. It is great! We rationalists just don't have a prayer, so to speak. Thanks for you reply, Clovis.

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:45 PM ()

A rebel and a bit of a trend-setter by the sounds of it.

comment by mellowdee on July 17, 2008 4:32 PM ()

Always ahead of my time. Wait 'til I tell you about my teaching sex education!

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:37 PM ()

You were able to maintain your identity and sanity and work where you wanted to. Good for you!

comment by elderjane on July 17, 2008 1:11 PM ()

Who said I preserved my sanity! I had to take early retirement. Thanks, anyway, Jeri.

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:34 PM ()

Even Catholics may teach evolution- as long as they accept that at some point God gave Man a soul. I am with Jondude- how do our young people acquire critical thinking skills if they are not taught other ways of looking at things. I am glad that the kids in Indiana had you!

comment by dragonflyby on July 17, 2008 7:14 AM ()

I had several thousand Hoosier kids. Over the years, I've had some positive feedback about my teaching--nothing on evolution. Thanks Dorothy.

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:32 PM ()

In my district the religious influences are more subtle, but all are expected to follow the Christian mindset. I learned how strong it was when a 3rd grade colleague said she simply couldn't teach evolution. After that I realized I ought to keep my mouth shut about my beliefs and I did. I also wore a very conservative dress (home made) and (gasp!) pantyhose to my interview. I never wore them while teaching, even for parent conferences. I wore what I wore to teach in because I didn't want to be hypocritical.

comment by catdancer on July 17, 2008 7:00 AM ()

Right out of your hippie days. Good for you. And yes, I knew teachers that refused to teach evolution--even in biology! Sad.

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:28 PM ()

Oh my how controversial!

comment by spicybitch on July 17, 2008 6:40 AM ()

That's my middle name. Thanks for dropping by.

reply by solitaire on July 19, 2008 7:03 AM ()

Ed and I came down to "Paradise" and found ourselves mired in
fundamental ignorance and smug born-agains. It is beautiful here,
we have made some intelligent friends (not enough) but I sorely
miss the casual brightness of the most down-and-out street people
of New York, let alone my colleagues and friends from publishing
and journalism.

comment by tealstar on July 17, 2008 4:31 AM ()

That was a major drawback with returning to my roots. I knew what to expect and didn't like it one bit. But I prefer the peace and quiet, so I'm glad I did it.

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:25 PM ()

comment by jondude on July 16, 2008 5:38 PM ()

When I saw a notification in the local paper about a debate to
be held at a public forum entitled "Creationism vs. Evolution" I
realized I was in Hell. What's next I thought, a meeting of
the Flat Earth Society? Not until I left New York City did
I understand the vast ignorance that inflicts many who live
outside of our large cities. And everyone of these people has a vote.

reply by tealstar on July 18, 2008 5:13 PM ()

That's what Susan Jacoby says in her new book, "The Age of American Unreason". You'd like it.

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:21 PM ()

Great story, Randall, and kudos to you for maintaining your independent demeanor. Sinatra: "I did it myyyyyyyy wayyyyyy."

comment by looserobes on July 16, 2008 3:42 PM ()

Steve, I think you are misinformed about the preparation for the teaching profession. There is no such thing as an "education major" anymore. We must have a separate major and minor in addition to classes specific to teaching etc. Those are equivalent to a second minor. Most education majors need 5 or more years to complete their education and some colleges are changing their programs to a graduate level. At the end of all the prep - comes student teaching. In some places it lasts one full year. After that, there are various standardized tests administered and if you don't pass, you don't get to teach. Last, we are required to earn 6 graduate credits every time we renew our teaching certificate. Okay, I'll get off my high horse now. Just wanted you to know that times have changed.

reply by catdancer on July 18, 2008 6:12 PM ()

Well, I hadn't quit my Calif. job, and the new job was for a lot less money, so I didn't have to put on "airs". Otherwise, I might have acquiesced (sp?).

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:18 PM ()

I want to retire so I am envious of you...
and good for you for not changing who you are to please corporate America!

comment by kristilyn3 on July 16, 2008 2:40 PM ()

Power to the people! Thanks for dropping by. I keep meaning to check you out (again), but forget!

reply by solitaire on July 18, 2008 2:06 PM ()