Episode 75: Curriculum Vitae of a Fool

He uses the word synergy three times in one sentence.

I stop listening after the second.

“…—and this holistic approach will elevate student engagement through cross-disciplinary optimization—”

I raise my hand.

He brightens.

Mistake.

“Yes, Diana?”

“…Define your objective,” I say calmly.

“…To improve student outcomes.”

“…Vague.”

He falters.

“…Engagement metrics—”

“…Are not outcomes.”

Silence.

The staff room stills.

I lean forward slightly.

“…What, precisely, are your students learning?”

He hesitates.

“…Critical thinking?”

“…How?”

“…Through collaborative—”

“…Describe the process.”

Pause.

Longer pause.

He doesn’t have one.

Of course he doesn’t.

“…You’ve constructed a presentation,” I say evenly,
“…without substance.”

“…That’s not—”

“…It is.”

Silence settles heavily now.

“…I cultivate minds,” I continue,
“…you decorate paperwork.”

A few heads lower.

He sits down.

Quietly.

Lesson concluded.