The Accidental Substitute

What happens when you put a stand-up comedian in a classroom full of middle schoolers, not as an entertainer, but as their teacher?

A bit of hilarity ensues, as you’d expect. But more importantly, you get a glimpse of the American education system from an unexpected source — a system that’s startling in contrast to just a few years ago.

Students sitting back, having their work done for them by “para-professionals.” Teachers bound by a code of behavior that makes quieting a disruptive classroo...