Why I Am a Bad Teacher, no. 1

On his first day meeting with teachers at my southwest side Chicago high school, the new principal announced, 'Some of you are worried about my being part of the old boy's network. Well, at least I'm not part of the menopause mafia.'
Previous principal: a highly successful woman who went on to higher office in the Board of ed. Population of school's teachers: 70% female. Consequences for the principal: none. At least until his continuing efforts to demean and undermine teachers resulted in his contract being cancelled. I'd been the delegate and an outspoken opponent of his, in the school, before the Board, and in Springfield.
Consequences for me: never getting appointed to the position. He appointed a brand new student teacher, and then turned around and abolished my position.
Many, many bloody parts of this story. Slowly is the way to tell it. I am still surveying the damage. Like an accident victim on first waking in the hospital bed. Where does it hurt? What's missing?