The Accidental Substitute

by nathan timmel

Overview

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 classroom near-impossible. And a fear of inappropriate touching so pervasive that substitute teachers are trained more on “touching boundaries” than classroom control. These and others are among the landmines to be navigated in the average school today.

Delivering a refreshing outsider’s take on the state of the classroom, Nathan explains how the current system is letting our kids down and their parents off the hook too easily. Funny and brutal but always honest, “The Accidental Substitute” will leave you laughing and itching to kick a desk.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940149061150
Publisher:	KLSP Publishing
Publication date:	12/09/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	394 KB

About the Author

Nathan is a stand up comedian who has: performed at comedy clubs across the country, recorded several comedy CD’s—two of which receive regular airplay on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio—thrice visited the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show, been overseas for American Troops eight times—hotspots such as Iraq and Afghanistan included—and performed for international audiences in locations such as Seoul, South Korea. In 2009, nine newspapers wrote promotional articles about Nathan, and on two occasions he was the sole guest on Iowa Public Radio’s “The Exchange.”

To his mother’s delight, Nathan put his degree in English into use by writing of his exploits as a comedian. He has been lucky enough to find his musings published most prominently in the worldwide military newspaper Stars & Stripes. He currently writes for Rooftop Comedy, posting a mix of original work and interviews with comedic celebrities such as Rob Corddry and Margaret Cho.