Box cutter used to kill teacher

[elfin]

69. Former high school history teacher here

Luckily retired long before the profession became so dangerous.

Used to work in what many considered "tough" neighborhoods, with drugs, belligerence, hard core apathy and cynicism, but NEVER worried about weapons or being attacked with anything but words.

When I began, I had held back kids who were older than I. This was before gang culture grew.

I loved it and the interchanges with the most trouble causing (usually male) students. Year after year, more and more of them were assigned to my classes because word spread that I "was good" with them and could cajole them to do the work.

Now, I would never enter the profession.

This incident does not sound like drugs, gangs etc., but when I see her lovely photo, I wonder if he had a crush on her that neither she nor he could handle. I had kids ask me out, which I could deflect with humor and authority, but they did not live in the hyper-sexualized, violent environment that exists today. I never met with a young man alone after the school day, but instead would offer extra help during study hall or during free time in class.

She was so young. I grieve for her family, students and indeed for the profession that lost a much needed shining star.