(COMPLETE) The Teaching Elective - A Logicality Fanfiction

Chapter 22 - More than a Teacher

Summary: At a meeting with the guidance counsellor Logan realises the career he really wants in life - to mixed reactions. Luckily his family is always there to inspire him to do what he wants.

If you can guess who Miss Reese is... you're stuck on 2018 YouTube I miss watching every video.

Logan's favourite place in school, apart from the library with his friends, was the guidance counsellor's office. He often got to miss Gym class for his meetings with the guidance counsellor, and the office was quiet and peaceful with the sounds of birds chirping outside. He also got a new free stim toy from her office every time he visited as she wanted to be supportive of all neurodivergences (she went about it in a kind of cheesy way, but it was the thought that counted).

"There's certainly a lot of APs on your record! It was AP Literature last year, this year is AP Statistics and AP Government, and you've put your name down for AP Psychology and AP Research next year?" Logan nodded, more concerned with popping the bubbles in his new toy. The school counsellor leant forward, a smirk on her face at her successful student. "I have a question though Logan, what's been your favourite class in your entire school career?"

Logan met eyes with the guidance counsellor but looked away. He knew the answer but was a bit reluctant to say it and put it in stone. "Well, the content in AP Statistics is interesting, and I seem to be talented when it comes to mathematics..."

"Mathematics can take you far Logan. Have you considered Engineering? MIT are looking for students as passionate as you!" The guidance counsellor interrupted Logan to loudly type on her computer, probably typing that she should carry on bugging this achieving student to look at the Ivy League.

"Actually..." Logan raised his voice to assert, making the guidance counsellor stop and raise an eyebrow. He didn't mean to raise his voice quite so sternly – he just knew this needed to be said. "You asked me what class I like the best, didn't you? Not what I was best or most confident in." The guidance counsellor slowly nodded. "My favourite class is the Education Placement, Mrs Torres-Rosario's class? I wasn't that confident at the start unlike my other classes – but I like spending time helping the kids."

The guidance counsellor turned back to her screen as if Logan had cursed at her, typing again but quieter. "Logan, as much as I love my co-workers, talented kids like you don't go into teaching. You know the saying – 'those that can't do, teach' – there's a reason that's a saying. Especially when it comes to elementary school."

Frankly, Logan took offence to that statement. "No, teaching seems like a very difficult job. You have to think of so many things, know so much about different subjects, and know how to explain the concepts to young minds. Teachers certainly aren't stupid."

Again, the guidance counsellor looked bothered by that statement, tapping her manicured black nails on the desk and sighing. "You've got that friendship group haven't you, with Patton Baker as the leader?" Logan slowly nodded. "Patton would suit that kind of job. You know, he's a B student. Not a failure, but not successful like you. You're intelligent Logan, you're more than a teacher."

Logan wanted to curse out the guidance counsellor when he heard those words come out of her mouth, but he resisted the urge and crossed his arms over his chest. The floor was the most interesting thing in the room right now.

"Vanderbilt University in Tennessee is the best college for a major in Elementary Education. You can advise me through the admission process as your job details, or we can leave our meeting here. I won't accept you making judgements on my friends or my choice. Understood?" The guidance counsellor also looked away to bite her tongue but sighed and nodded, turning back to her computer, and typing.

"I'll change your details." She sighed, and the meeting time was over before Logan had to receive any discipline for being assertive. He pretty much ran out of the room, meeting his friends in the library and cursing out there with the assurance of his friends.

*******

"Mom, Mama, I'm home!" Logan called out as he threw his shoes against the wall, having just returned from a very eventful day of school. He was calm now, he in fact felt more confident in himself. He had finally told someone he really liked being in the first-grade classroom.

Mama's voice was the first to speak up from the dining table in the kitchen. "Ah, mijo! Come say hello!" Mama, as the most extroverted parent, was known to bring her friends over while Mom was at work and Logan was at school. And Mama had a lot of friends – many seemed to remember Logan when he was small and gave as many hugs as Mama did while Logan had no idea who they were.

When Logan entered the kitchen, he recognised the person opposite his mother. She was in her mid-thirties, with straight brown hair and bright clothing. It was his first-grade teacher. "Miss Reese?" The woman smiled widely and offered a hug which Logan immediately took.

"You've sure grown Logan! Are you still in high school?" Logan nodded and sat next to his teacher. Mama already knew to make him some green tea. "Goodness, the years have gone fast! How's classes?"

"Well, Logie's preparing for college soon!" Mama interrupted, giving Logan a hug and his tea. Miss Reese looked even more shocked at that and uttered a 'you're pulling my leg' in Mama's direction. "Yep, it's almost the end of junior year! I've seen Logan's Google searches for Vanderbilt University, wherever that is, but that seems to be where he wants to go!"

Miss Reese nodded and took a sip of her coffee. "Interesting choice. Any reason you want to explore Tennessee?"

"It's the major I want more." Logan laughed nervously, it will be the second time he'll be telling someone of his plan after college. And that person was an elementary school teacher. She'd be honest if Logan wasn't suited for it, right? "I want to major in Elementary Education, actually. I'm taking an elective where I'm a teaching assistant for a first grade class – and I really like learning about how to teach."

Miss Reese gave Logan a soft smile and held a hand to her heart. "Seems like you haven't forgotten my class! You'll be an amazing teacher, Logan. You have the brains and the passion for it, and I'm sure you'll be able to keep the kids calm and happy." That reassured Logan, just hearing that he wouldn't crash and burn or ruin his potential by working in education. "Just remember – all different colleges have Elementary Education courses. You don't need to shoot for the stars if you want to be closer to home."

For the rest of the late afternoon Mama, Miss Reese, and Logan reminisced on their memories, and Miss Reese gave some much needed college advice. Towards the end of the chat Miss Reese got ready to leave... But she firstly went into the tote bag she was carrying. "I was going to the charity shop later today, but I think this jacket has a better home here."

It was the cream jacket. Miss Reese wore the same knitted jacket to class every day she taught, and when Logan was overwhelmed in the classroom, he was allowed to hold the jacket to reassure him. It held him through most of the lessons. And now Logan was holding it again, it was around his size. It was very soft to wear. Logan softly smiled. "Thank you, Miss Reese." He whispered, slowly bringing his first-grade teacher into a hug.

Logan knew before - but he was certain now. No matter how smart he is, he was born to be a teacher. More specifically, an elementary school teacher.