Bret Perry

I went to public school, and liked most of my elementary teachers although I only remember about half of their names. Not the '50s, though, early '60s

But my nemesis was also my 2nd grade teacher old Mrs Bernstein. (1961)
My mom said she had it in for me because I was the only one who "beat" her grandson in the school's I.Q. test (I was good at tests).

One day during health class, she had me (the skinniest kid in class) and Mark (my best friend and the fattest kid in class) both stand in front of the class and proclaimed to the class that this showed that "white" milk was more nutritious than chocolate milk—because I always had chocolate milk at lunch and Mark always had plain "white" milk. And said I was skinny and weak while Mark was so strong and healthy (actually he was quite overweight and I beat him in most sports, even wrestling, I was quick and wiry!)

I laughed, and protested, and told her and the class that didn't make much sense, since chocolate milk had added sugar and twice as many calories and would make me fatter, if anything. (My mom was a nutritionist.)

Mrs. Bernstein took me by the ear to see the principal, Mr. Cozine, was was waiting in the hall as usual with his big paddle.

He took me into his office alone, and asked me why I talked back to the teacher, so I told him the whole story and we both laughed (he liked me). Then he hit the back of his chair with the paddle with a loud smack and told me to try to look like I was crying and sent me back to class.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

That sounds like something I would have done. Teachers hate to find out they're wrong, especially in front of a class. The ones who hate it most are the ones who try to sell myths that are demonstrably untrue. When a smart kid calls them on BS, and illustrates the correct story or situation with math or original source facts, they get furious. As a kid, it's fun to watch, but not always if you're the kid who did the callout.

OldJeff

I once grabbed the ruler and broke it when the nun was going to swat my knuckles. I was sent to the principles office where she took a 3' pointer and swatted me across my back, leaving welts. Did I tell my parents? No, or I may have received another lashing.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

I recall one older white haired teacher who would discipline us by having an offender come to the front of the class. She would hand them a wooden ruler and have them give her a few whacks across the palms of her hands. No one wanted to beat up this lovely old lady so her "punishment" method was very effective!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I was taught that you don’t hit animals, women or children, and men only as a last resort. I have zero tolerance with the concept of physically abusing children by teachers, (especially in parochial schools where love and kindness should be the message). Teaching physical violence begets the idea that violence is OK. It isn’t. I’ve managed to raise two of the most polite, well behaved, hard working and generally nice boys without ever laying a hand on them, and I’m sure they are raising their children the same way.

Dannj

Wow! Capital punishment!?!? I thought my teachers were rough but the worst I ever got was a leather strap on my hands😳

Menkaure Loc: Michigan

You can tell a million stories about the catholic church/school but they really end up being the same. Torture, humiliation and about a dozen other childhood-killing acts done to young, impressionable kids. I cannot think of bad enough names to call the "Spawn-of-satan" nuns I had to deal with. My unique story is my Sister and I were put up in front of the class and the nun said "This is what happens to you when your parents divorce."
I only hope that these creatures will get whats due to them after they die.

fantom Loc: Colorado

so true

fantom Loc: Colorado

Sounds like you came from a pretty unique environment and makes one wonder why the family stayed there.

bw79st Loc: New York City

Your school room looks like mine in Queens, NYC which I attended from Jan 1949 to Jan 1957. Your description also sounds a lot like what I experienced. Some former pupils have horror stories but in my 8 years I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. I learned a lot, but also had parents who taught me along the way. I could read two years before entering school. We were not disciplined because we already knew not to give the nuns any problems! After that I went to a Catholic HS where I once got smacked in the face for not having my Latin homework to turn in. I could not understand what happened to it as I had religiously copied it from my friend in lunch hour while he copied my math homework!

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Brilliant!

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Public humiliation and corporal punishment are staples of an insecure culture. As a manager, I always dealt with discipline issues privately. Teachers should do the same.

DRam11 Loc: Polson, MT

1955, first day of seventh grade, gym class. We were sitting in the bleachers listening to the instructor list rules and acrivities we would be doing. He mentioned baseball and I whispered to the boy next to me, “Great, baseball is my favorite.” Unfortunately the instructor heard me. I was called down to the gym floor and stood facing him. He asked if I had said something while he talking. Upon my admission he put a foot behind mine, pushed me down on my back, came down with his knee on my stomach, grabbed my hair and slammed my head on the floor three or four times, then from a foot from my face shouted, “Never speak while I am talking. Do you understand?”

IIRC he also wielded a wicked paddle, as did the gym instructors in high school.

I’m really glad those days are gone.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, but in a good way.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, but some people long for those days.