"Suddenly, the bell rang signaling the end of homeroom. The room emptied quickly as everyone shuffled off and my firstofficial.

students began to arrive and take their’seats. High school.

students are a tough audience. Once settled, they tend to be poker faced and seemingly indifferent to their surroundings.

. .

That said, I detected real curiosity in their muted response to my presence. “Who'the heck is this guy?” was written all over every face.

Conversations from the hallway ended as students came in and saw me standing there. I avoided making eye contact, opened the attendance book and placed it on the wooden podium-up-front.

As the second bell rang to start class, every seat was taken. For a moment, I looked out at my first class and imagined what I'd be thinking if I were in their shoes.

Then I rolled the dice. .

. "Kermit “Spike” Updegrove taught biology in the Harford County Public Schools for thirty-six years.

Well known for his enthusiasm in the classroom and dedication as a coach, he remains the “favorite teacher” of many. Still an avid birdwatcher, he lives in Naples, Florida.

"Hilarious. .

. a heartwarming behind-the-scenes Look at teaching high school science.

". .