I got a computer generated call at 9 a.m. to sub in a town that’s about 18 miles away. I needed to be there at 10:00. Normally to teach in that town I would leave an hour early. For example, in this case, had I known ahead of time, I would have left the house at 9:00 to get there by 10. Having to be there an hour after I was called was pushing it pretty hard, since I had to do hair, makeup and get dressed, then drive. There was no room for unexpected things cropping up. So I called the school to give them a heads up.
After I told her there were was a brief moment of a disapproving pause, then, with an edge to her voice she asked “Just exactly how late?”
I said, “It’ll be right around 10, maybe a few minutes later.”
Another disapproving pause. In an icy voice she said, “Well. Just make it as soon as you can.”
I actually got there right on the money, at 10, and was at my desk when the final bell rang. I don’t like that because I don’t have any time to read lesson plans and prepare, but it was all so last minute that I didn’t have much choice.

Do you ever feel like you’re in trouble even though you’ve done the right thing?