Teaching in the country

Right after grad school, I got a teaching position an hour away from PDX at Molalla High School. I taught French, Journalism & Web Design there for two years.

The experience was interesting to say the least; I learned a lot (maybe too much) about country livin’.

Here’s my favorite story about one student in French class who we’ll call Billy.

Mme. Myers: Salut class. Today we’re going to talk about food.

Billy: Uh, Madame My-er, do the French like beef jerky?

Mme. Myers: No particularly, Billy. So class, this is a book from Balthazar Restaurant, a French bistro in NYC. Check out the photos of some of these dishes. (Holds up a photo of a scallop nestled in a delicate ring of creme fraîche and a pesto sauce.)

Billy: Um, Madame My-er, uh…what’s that?

Mme. Myers: Billy, that’s a scallop.

Billy: (pause) Ohhhh, potato!