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alone being told how to do it by someone who is younger and not even in their field.
    “I’m sorry to stop by unannounced and catch you off guard. I’ve been away touring the Zones and just returned today. I believe you have a family friend as one of your students, Grace Vaughn. I know she has been having some trouble so I wanted to talk with you to see what the problem is and if there is anything I can do to help.”
    Once she figures out she isn’t in trouble she visibly relaxes. “Ah yes, Grace. There is a bit of an issue there.”
    “What’s the problem?”
    “Well, as I told her brother, she checks out. I can’t reach her at all, and she doesn’t respond, talk, or join in with any activities. It is impossible to try to teach a child who doesn’t want to learn.”
    This instantly has me raising my eyebrows. I’m trying to keep my anger in check but it’s so hard to do.
    “Have you met with Grace outside of a classroom setting? Tried to talk with her one on one when it’s less intimidating?” I ask, trying to sound helpful and not upset.
    “That’s the problem, Miss Thatcher. You can’t talk to Grace. She. Can’t. Talk,” she says slowly, like I am having a hard time keeping up. That’s it; the gloves are coming off now.
    “Miss Baxter, I know very well that Grace is non-verbal. However, that doesn’t mean she can’t talk. She can and does communicate when you actually try. As far as her not wanting to learn, that’s a copout for not trying hard enough. I have personally worked with Grace and she is a little sponge, taking it all in. While teaching her may require out of the box thinking and a little extra time, it will be completely worth it.”
    She’s looking at me now like I sprouted an extra head.
    “I see you are attached to this child, Miss Thatcher, which is why I’m sure it’s hard for you to see reason. I have a classroom full of students and it is impossible to give all my attention to one girl when there is a room full of others who need my help.”
    “First off, it’s President Thatcher. Second, the fact that I’m attached , as you put it, means nothing. I don’t care if it is a child I’ve never met or my own, that isn’t a way to teach any child. A teacher is only as good as their worst pupil, and I truly believe that. If you can’t find the time to give a child what they need, maybe you are in the wrong profession. Lucky for you I have the power to change that. I have also realized the schools at the Ministry were overlooked on my tours. That will soon be remedied.”
    I stand up now and she is looking at me with complete shock on her face.
    “In the meantime, I’m going to add some Special Ed classes and sensitivity training for all teachers. Obviously it is greatly needed. Have a nice day, Miss Baxter.”
    I leave that horrid woman’s classroom so angry, I am shaking. I march right into the Headmaster’s office. The nameplate on his door reads “Mr. Chuck Ewing.” I knock on the door and wait until I hear someone say to come in.
    I open the door and find a man in his fifties sitting at a desk looking at his computer in front of him. He has a kind looking face and smiles at me. I hope this is a sign it will go much better than my last meeting.
    “Hello, Mr. Ewing. I’m so sorry to show up unannounced but I have a matter I need to speak with you about immediately.”
    “President Thatcher, I’m so happy to finally meet you. I’ve heard so many wonderful things. It is my pleasure; please have a seat.”
    I take the seat he offers, looking him in the eye and returning his smile.
    “I have been meaning to get out here, but somehow with the Zone tours and everything else, the Ministry school has been overlooked. I’m so sorry for the oversight. If you have a few moments there are a few matters I’d like to discuss.”
    “Of course. I am happy you made it out here; I know how busy your schedule is.”
    “A close friend of the family attends school here. She is