Sarah Thompson, 24, Penn State grad (education). Got a job teaching at an Amish school (one of few accepting English). One year. 'For the resume,' she told Mom.
September
20 children (ages 6-14). One room. No Wi-Fi (shock). No projector. No printer. Chalk and blackboard. First lesson: children sit quietly. Watch. Listen. Don't interrupt. Sarah: 'Questions?' Silence. 'Anyone?' Small hand: 'Where are you from?' 'Pittsburgh.' Pause. 'Where's that?' (Child hadn't seen a map of Pennsylvania.)
January
Children solve math in their heads faster than Sarah on calculator. Read in three languages. Write beautifully (Sarah types — handwriting atrophied). Draw landscapes (no people — forbidden). Know names of 40 plants. Sarah knows 5.
June
Last day. Children gave embroidered handkerchief (all signed — well, embroidered initials). Sarah cried (not quietly, not later — English-style, right away and loud). Returned to Pittsburgh. Didn't turn on TV for a week. Bought chalk and blackboard. Put in living room. Why? Doesn't know. Just a reminder that you can teach without Wi-Fi. And learn too.