Junior High Junior Hell

Perceived through the eyes of a self-professed quirky teacher, the true stories herein are occasionally offensive. Reader discretion is advised.

Alcoholics, drug addicts, perverts, misogynists, stalking lesbians, bullies, bible thumpers, narcissists, racists, thieves, gangsters, murder victims. As a public school teacher at a highly-rated junior high school in Southern California, I witnessed all of the above during my three decades teaching. The vast majority of students, teachers, administrators and parents were enjoyable, hardworking people. Humorous, inspirational and kindhearted incidents were certainly a huge part of my experience. However, as journalist Silas Bent observed, “Harmony seldom makes a headline.”

Outrageous or questionable behavior of adolescents and adults was the fodder that produced the most incredible and entertaining stories. Authentically, I spared no one and, to my chagrin, that included me. I get it. “It takes one to know one.”

I couldn’t make this stuff up in my wildest dreams. Bombarded almost daily with crazy school yard stories, by dear late husband encouraged me to write. Actress and best-selling author Shirley Maclaine described my drive to proceed, “I’m very interested in how insane everybody is. That’s why I write.”

As the sole teacher on staff that resided in the same lower socioeconomic neighborhood as our students, my familiarity with their family dynamics, cultures and personalities forged an organically-grown bond.