Chapter Nine

Gardiner Elementary, a rather pretty, reddish-brown, brick building was not at all like the clinical and obstinately domineering structure that Angie had imagined it to be. In fact, it was quite inviting, almost as much as the little, one room, wooden schoolhouse in Mistysprings. She could sense a stirring of destiny deep within as she drank the scene in.

There they were, all five of them, standing across the street from the school, watching the young students arrive. Some were walking with friends, some with adults. All, it seemed, were loudly chatting, laughing and playing around with their groups of friends as they made their way up the steps and in through the large double doors.

“It’s quite awing to now be the one on the other side of the classroom, responsible for making sure things make sense to a whole new generation. Don’t you think?”

She looked at the others who nodded their heads and muttered muffled agreement. It was clear they were all being hit with the same realisation.

“Yeah, we are the adults now…” Michael started to speak but left off at that, implying a lot more that what he could manage to formulate with words.

“Okay, okay, let’s do this!” Gertie waved her hand in a follow me motion as she took a step forward, much like she was about to conquer a new land or something equally dangerous and exciting. “This is what we were born for.” She continued. “And we really had better not be late on the first day!” At that the others quickly came back to reality and gathering their belongings followed her across the road and into the school.

In the school the five trainees, Gertie, Josey, Michael, Angie and Tony, were assigned to their classes for the week and with looks of encouragement at one another, went their separate ways for the day. The entire process would see them rotate through the five chosen classes that had been selected to facilitate this year’s placement. It worked out that each trainee would spend one week with each teacher and their class and so should obtain a robust working knowledge of school life and a taste of the joys and challenges that will be presented before them in the years ahead.

Angie was paired with a Mrs Elliot, a tall, thin lady who wore her brownish-grey hair tied tightly in a bun. Although you could immediately tell she would accept no nonsense, Angie noted that she had a warm, kind look in her eyes and as she talked about her students (while they made the way down the long corridor to the classroom) her words where gentle and one could sense that any child placed in Mrs Elliott’s class was going to be loved and encouraged to achieve their full potential.

“We’re almost there, Angela. Now, as I was saying, today you will simply observe and let the children become familiar with you, and you with them.” At that they entered the classroom.

Silently Angie breathed deeply as she looked around at the wooden desks and chairs all neatly placed in rows. There were shelves of different supplies including small writing boards and chalks. At the back of the room was a beautiful reading area and along the shelving under the windows some toys and games that could be enjoyed during break or playtimes when Mrs Elliott permitted.

Walking along at the front of the class Angie glided her hand along the teacher’s desk, “It’s absolutely better than what I’d imagined!” She exclaimed to Mrs Elliott, who was finishing writing the morning math work on the large chalkboard.

“Oh, yes dear, I know what you mean! It’s been eighteen years and I still get a flutter when the morning bell rings and a new day of opportunity begins!” She said with a smile. “Now, if you would like to have a seat at the back of the room, I will introduce everyone when the students arrive and then you can observe the class and teaching process from there for the day.”

“Thank you, Mrs Elliott.” Angie replied as she set her belongings at the desk.

The morning bell was rung and the noise of children’s chatter filled the corridors, within five minutes the class was full of twenty, seven year olds all standing at attention behind their chairs, ready to pledge allegiance to the flag.

The day went by quite quickly, first there was morning prayer and a lesson from the Bible on the character trait of kindness. After that break was enjoyed, then they were into morning math lesson. Recess followed that then English grammar and it was reading that got the slot of finishing out the school day.

That evening the girls chatted together about their first day experiencing real school!

“I had one little guy who would not stop talking the entire morning.” Josey laughed. “Mr Blackwell eventually had to sit him at the table in the corner, facing the wall so he would settle to get some work done.”

“Did he get disciplined with the cane, how awful for your first day that would be!” Angie cried.

“No, thankfully the change of desk was enough to bring him to the place of focus.”

“Well, I had the sweetest class of four year olds.” Said Gertie. “So, I spent the morning singing the alphabet, and counting numbers” It was great!”

“Oh really? What did you do in the afternoon then Gertrude dear?” They jovially asked her. “Oh, Miss Boyd, talked me through her process of planning lessons and some of the different creative teaching methods that will help stimulate the learning process. You will really enjoy your week with her” She continued, “She is all for continual development, and understanding how different children learn through various means, and you can tell what she does works—these kids are really learning at an accelerated pace. Her class has a constantly high aptitude level each year!”

“That’s a good teacher!” Evelyn commented, “It’s a wonder she hasn't been invited to join one of the better schools?”

“I asked her the same thing! She has been offered positions at a few of them in the past but at the time really believed that she should stay on at Gardiner Elementary. I think she may consider a change at the end of this school year though because one of the schools re-invited her and they have a special budget for research and training in early years child development; which is her special interest and she knows with further education herself she will be able to help more children develop at their potential.”

“Wow, I’m looking forward to my week with her!” Angie replied and Josey vigorously nodded her head in agreement.

“Well, I really want to meet her too!” Evelyn remarked, “Must see if I can organise an appointment with her so I can ‘pick her brains’!” She finished by mimicking a mad scientist, which had them all belly laughing.

“Oh no, you made me spill my coffee Ev!”

“I did no such thing Gertie,” Evelyn continued in her mad scientist voice, you must be in control of your co-ordination, or I will have to operate!” She jokingly pounced on Gertie. An ensemble of limbs, screams and laughter followed, after which the girls made their way to bed for a much-needed sleep. The following days would be taxing and take them out of their comfort zones in a new yet fascinating way.

-----

“Angie, is that you?” Coming in the front door, Angie, who had decided to return home after placement to review what she had learnt during her very insightful week with Miss Boyd, (while Gertie, and Josey went over to Michael’s house for Friday dinner) quickly hung her heavy coat, scarf and hat up in the hall closet and made her way into the kitchen.

“Yes, Ms Potts, it’s me! Are you ok?” She asked as she pushed open the kitchen door to find an excitable Ms Potts making tea.

“Ok child, now sit down and drink this.” She instructed while setting a cup of hot tea in front of one of the kitchen chairs.

Curiously amused, Angie willingly complied. “Don’t worry, nothing is wrong, quite the contrary. Dean Cooper was here earlier inquiring after you. I told him you were a delightful young lady, who definitely is destined by the hand of God for teaching and indeed a blessing to all who get to meet her.”

“Aww Ms Potts, that’s so kind of you! But what did he want?”

“Yes, yes, well it’s true, I make it my business to tell the truth, as you know! Ok, back to the matter, he asked me to direct you to his office this evening at 6:30pm. His secretary will meet you there and you will then travel with her to his house where you both will dine, this very evening.” She finished with a satisfied smile, pleased that she had indeed communicated to the ‘T’ the prestigious invitation.

“What!” Angie turned a pale shade of grey, “What does he want to talk about?” She almost panicked.

“Now don’t be silly, this is an honour and it can only be something good; there’s no way the Dean would invite a student to his home if there was something wrong.” Ms Potts rationale brought an instant wave of calm over Angie, who sat back down on the chair that she had jumped out of in shock seconds earlier.

“Oh, this is so new to me, never did I imagine I would visit the Dean at his home! I know Evelyn is a favourite with the faculty but why me… whatever could it be?” She nervously sipped the hot tea.

“Angie, Angie, are you here?” Evelyn shouted from the hallway, as she ran into the kitchen. “I was just speaking with Dean Cooper, you’ve got to be excited!” She exclaimed as she hugged the sitting Angie’s shoulders.

“Yes, Evelyn you encourage her and calm her nerves a bit.” Ms Potts laughed as she left the room.

“What is this all about Evelyn?”

“I don't know all the details Angie, he just let me know so I could come and assure you that it’s good!”

“Thanks, I wish you were coming too!”

“Well Dean Cooper said if it would make you more comfortable I should come along.” Evelyn replied.

“Please do!” Angie said as she jumped up, now becoming excited at the whole affair. Grinning she grabbed Evelyn in a bear hug.

“You will adore Mrs Cooper, Ange. She was a teacher for years and now writes curriculum and such. Her and I have great conversations.”

Ms Potts popped her head around the door, “Well I’m glad to see your smiling face—now, go and get ready, you can’t be late for dinner with the Dean!” She waved her arms in the air quite hilariously. The two girls looked at one another in shock at this sudden display from their beloved Ms Potts.

“Yes, Evelyn, I do believe I’m picking up some more of your wild mannerisms.” She continued before returning to her task at hand. The girls laughed and made their way upstairs to get ready for the occasion.

“Ok, it’s dry out, let’s go!” Evelyn shouted back into the house for Angie.

“Coming!” She quickly grabbed her bag from the kitchen table and a small umbrella. “Just in case!” She waved it at Evelyn, while pulling the door close. The pair made their way the short distance down the street to the Academy, arriving as a driver pulled up.

“Miss Evelyn?” He enquired as he stepped onto the street.

Slightly confused Evelyn answered, “Yes, that’s me, how can I help you, sir?”

“I’m to take you to Dean Cooper’s residence, if you will please.” Although the girls were expecting to meet their escort, this was completely unexpected and they continued to stand, open mouthed in shock! Smiling the driver opened the door and motioned for the girls to get in.

“Wha-a-t! Evelyn shouted, we’re getting a lift in a motor car!!” The girls looked at one and other and then at the driver and then at the car and screamed in joy. Giggling they jumped into the back of the car. When the engine turned on, they didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the new experience. The girls rolled the windows down and were excitedly waving out at people as they drove past; seeing their delight the driver joined in with the fun and beeped the horn a few times.

“This is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I don’t even know how to describe it!” Angie shouted over the roar of the engine, and the noise of the wind which was blowing through the car.

“Let’s put the windows up again.” Evelyn shouted, as she tried to stop her hair from completely covering her face, nodding Angie agreed.

“Ah, that’s better!” She said as silence filled the car. Looking around Evelyn noticed that they were almost there, “Gosh, it doesn’t take long, when one travels in style.” She waved her hands in a royal fashion and laughed. A few corners later and Angie gasped as they entered a beautiful, pebble stone drive flagged with trees, as they pulled to a stop at the front door she noticed an elegant water fountain in the centre.

The house door opened, with Mrs. Cooper appearing outside to welcome the girls. “Delighted to make your acquaintance, Angela,” she said while directing them inside and though to the library before dinner. “Make yourselves comfortable, I’m just going to check on dinner. Henry will be down shortly, he had a late meeting and has just arrived moments ago or else he would be here to welcome you.”

“No problem Mrs Cooper, thanks for your kindness.” Evelyn answered as their hostess smiled and left the room.

“Well, what do you think? The house is exquisite, isn't it?”

“Yes, it’s beautiful, I could spend days in this library!” Angie grinned as she got up from her chair to peruse the shelves. Without lifting her gaze from the shelf, she continued, “You were right about Mrs Cooper, she put me right at ease the moment I met her! I only hope I can stay at ease throughout dinner when the Dean comes down!”

“Off course you will, he’s a real gentleman and very interesting to talk to. Make sure and tell him of any concerns you may have about the school house in Mistysprings. I’m sure he will have the answers or at least be able to guide you in the right direction about stuff.”

“That’s a good idea, I most certainly will!” Angie smiled as she walked back to join her friend, just in time as the man himself entered the room.

“Well, hello there girls, welcome to our home. I hope you are hungry as Caroline has gone above and beyond for tonight’s meal!”

“Oh yes Thank you!” They replied as they stood to their feet. He then went on to inquire after Angie’s family, how she was settling into city life and so on and so forth.

Then Mrs. Cooper returned with a maid who had a tray of lemonade. “Just something fresh to enjoy while we wait another few moments for dinner.” Sitting down she joined the conversation which was beginning to get rather lively as Evelyn told of the robbery incident that Angie had the misfortune of being caught up in.

Dinner was called and at Mrs. Cooper’s request the story was continued as they ate. Then Evelyn asked for them to share some of their teaching stories again for Angie to hear, and so the rest of dinner was accompanied by laughter and tears as the Dean and Mrs Cooper recounted both funny and deeply inspirational moments from their careers so far.

“I’m so encouraged, Evelyn.” Angie whispered to her friend as they went to the powder room to get refreshed after dinner.

“Yea, I love listening to them, on this account I truly have been blessed. You know, I have received as much from them as I have at school!”

“I can imagine so; my life has been so enriched from this evening alone. There’s so much I want to go and research after hearing about some of those children.”

“Ok, let’s go, before they send a search party out for us!” Evelyn joked as she led Angie down the hall into the drawing room, where a cosy fire was roaring in the centre of the huge, ornate fireplace.

“Come on in girls,” said the Dean. “Caroline will join us in a few moments, she had to take a call from her mother.” The girls looked up. “Oh, nothing is wrong, she just needs to finalise some details of our upcoming visit with her.” He assured the girls, while gesturing for them to take a seat and enjoy a cup of tea. “She lives quite a drive away and my wife loves to bring her different things from the city, you know how it is, I’m sure!”

Looking around the beautifully decorated drawing room, Angie clutched her china cup and inhaled a whiff of the delicious aroma of the wild berry tea. She remembered Mrs Cooper said it was a favourite of hers, she could see why, it was yummy!

“Dinner was lovely Mrs Cooper.” Angie praised her host who had resumed the party and was sitting comfortably in her chair.

“Thank you, Angela. Yes, every so often I walk into the kitchen and let chef know that I’m the boss tonight.” They all chuckled. “My mother’s recipes never fail me!” She smiled at the girls as the maid handed her a cup of tea.

“So, Angela, I suppose you could say it was cruel of me to keep you in suspense all evening!” Dean Cooper leaned forward in his chair with an intriguing look upon his face. “Let me go ahead and tell you why I invited you over tonight.” Angie smiled at the kind looking man. He was of medium height and build, with a full head of thick black hair, that showed no signs of greying, given his age. His face usually wore a pleasant expression and he walked with a confident calm that rendered him an approachable fellow—with a reputation with peers and students alike of having an apt word of wisdom for any situation. And it was this man who had graciously invited her to his very house, a young trainee teacher from a quiet country community, hundreds of miles from the stature and importance of New York City. Surely the hand of God was upon her, privately Angie thanked Him for His favour in her life.

Dean Cooper continued. “The National School Governing Board, of which I am Chairman, and the Academy, of which I am Dean, have the ability to every few years allocate a certain amount of funds to a cause that we so deem fit. After much consideration, we have chosen to access these funds and provide you with a two-year grant for research and ongoing training in child development and cutting-edge teaching methods for your position as the School Mistress in Mistysprings.”

He paused and gazed intently at Angie. She however was in shock and could not utter a single word. Evelyn patted her friend on the back. “Wow, Angie that’s something!” The Dean looked at his wife and smiled.

“Take a sip of tea Angela.” Mrs Cooper motioned.

Finally, Angie spoke up, “Oh thank you so much sir, this is beyond words, I don’t know or what to say… thank you!” She exclaimed.

They all laughed, “Well that settles it!” He replied and sat back in his chair. “You know I have had nothing but good reports about you Angela, everyone seems in agreement that you were born to teach, and your special interest in advancing methods and such are so refreshing. You would indeed be a great asset to any school in the City, I hope you know that. But we are proud to support your endeavours in the rural community and expect to hear much from this little schoolhouse in Mistysprings.”

Again, Angie could not do much other than give thanks and commit to do her best.

With appointments made for coming into the office to complete the necessary paperwork and such, the conversation turned to the recent placement they had been on. Thankfully for Angie, Evelyn was able to pick up for her inadequacy to speak and fill the couple in on how things went for her and also her friends at Gardiner Elementary.

Shortly after, Mrs Cooper remarked. “Well Evelyn, I think it’s time you got your friend home, it has been quite an evening for her!” They all bid their goodbyes as the two girls got into the carriage this time—the motor car was safely put away in the garage for the night.

“Oh Angie, I’m so happy for you!” Evelyn finally blurted out, once they had reached the main street. “I did my best to contain myself in there!” She laughed giddily.

"I know, it's beyond my wildest dreams!” Still in a state of shock Angie joined Evelyn in laughing—the whole way home.

Late that night the entire household sat in Ms Potts parlour as the two girls recounted the evening in extreme detail! There were tears of joy and thankfulness for the amazing opportunity Angie had received.

“Just think, if I had been stubborn and decided to go with Mrs Jackson to Europe I would have missed out on all this… my dream!” She finished her enthusiastic review and dropped back down into the comfy chair.

“Yes, you can always trust the Lord; He knows what’s He’s doing, that’s what I always say.” Ms Potts counselled. With a fresh round of tea and coffee the chatter continued for a bit longer as they began to re-assess the endless possibilities that were ahead of her. Needless to say, it was the early hours of the morning when they all finally made their way to bed.

Once alone in her room, Angie knelt by her bed and gave thanks to God, for she knew He was the Divine Orchestrator of it all. Then when she couldn't sleep she got out of bed and began to write to Samuel.

 

Dear Samuel,

 

Oh, how I wish you were here right now! I have the most amazing news that will leave you speechless, it certainly did me. It’s almost four in the morning and I cannot sleep, thankfully it’s Saturday tomorrow so will be able to rest for the day. It’s not about placement, which is going great but I will write about it after the BIG news!

So today Dean Cooper came around to our house and had a chat with Ms Potts about me! Then he asked her to tell me to be at his office for 6:30pm to ride with his secretary over to his house for the evening! Thankfully after he had returned to school he had told Evelyn she could accompany me if that made me more comfortable. You know it did! Anyway, I met his wife, she used to be a teacher and now writes curriculum. Just talking to them over dinner absolutely changed my life.

Afterwards when we were enjoying tea in the drawing room, the Dean told me that the National School Board, of which he is Chairman, wants to give me a financial grant for two years when I return to start teaching school in Mistysprings. It’s for research and development in all the areas I’m interested in!

Samuel this is truly the work of God and I am so grateful and excited to finish school and get home. Out of all the students, I was chosen; I haven't been able to sleep! This means so much for Mistysprings. There is so much I will be able to do and even expand classes and such. I’m sure you can sense my excitement. Apologies my letter is not written the best this time.

I would love to go for a ride across the hills on my horse, with the wind blowing through my hair. Yes, Samuel, that is exactly what I need right now! But alas I must settle for my here and now.

Enough about me, how is your work under the tutorage of Dr Munroe going? I don’t know how you can perform surgery, that’s something I could never do. I’m so looking forward to when we will both be living in Mistysprings, it will be so easy to visit one another and talk. I know I am rambling on here, it’s such a mix of excitement, shock, tiredness and then missing you.

I must go to sleep now, or my penmanship will soon be unreadable!

Placement is such a blessing too. It is hard work, but that’s to be expected and I indeed have learned and grown so much in these short weeks. It’s fascinating how children respond to different methods and tones, what an adventure teaching is! Next week is the last one on placement then it’s assignment time. We have to write a 10,000-word thesis on what we experienced and so on and so forth. Then it’s only two months until final exams and Graduation!

 

Love you, till we meet again!

Angie xx