LITR 3731: Creative Writing
Student Drama Submission 2003
Dominique Corpus
A Lesson for Mr. Corpus
Concept: A
substitute-future educator learns a lesson on stereotyping urban kids.
Characters:
Mr. Corpus- substitute Dominique Corpus
Mr.
White- teacher
Dr. White
William-
student
Will Frith
Roberta-
student
Robin Stone
Tray-
student
Travis King
Nicole-student
Reani King
Jay-student
Jason Honeycutt
Rita-student Laquita Rhone
Entire
Classroom
Narrator
Scene:
(Classroom entrance)
Mr. Corpus:
(questioningly) I think this my classroom?
Mr. White:
If you are Mr. Corpus, then it is.
Mr. Corpus:
Yes sir. And yourself?
Mr. White:
Oh, I’m Mr. White. I was just
standing here watching over the class before your arrival.
I am pretty sure you’ve already heard about some of the students being
a bit disruptive when left alone.
Mr. Corpus:
(disappointed) Oh great. I know
there was a reason why I did not want to come to this school.
Mr. White:
(surprised) Ohhh. I normally do not listen too much of the gossip around here,
but some teachers have mentioned you are starting a teaching career next fall?
Mr. Corpus:
Yeah, Why?
Mr. White:
Well it was just that I mentioned some students being disruptive and you blamed
the entire school. Don’t you
think that comment can be a bit inappropriate for a future teacher?
Mr. Corpus:
Mr. White I am sorry if I offended you, but I just do not plan on teaching here.
Mr. White:
Nah, it’s fine. (Starting to walking off) It’s your preference, I understand
completely. Just make sure you go
over their homework assignments before the assembly . . . (at the door)
Mr. Corpus:
All right.
Mr. White:
(turns around just outside the door and says to himself) you have a lot more to
learn about being a teacher.
Mr. Corpus:
(thought he heard some last word) Huh, what’s that?
Mr. White:
On nothing, just thinking aloud. Good
luck.
Narrator: (Mr. Corpus enters the
classroom and the entire class is in an uproar. Everyone is talking and walking about without regard for his
presence. Even the students who are
sitting seem unable to remain still. Everyone
is fidgety.
Mr. Corpus:
(thinking) Is this typical behavior for these kids? (Shouts) Okay
everyone settle down. (Pauses and
examines the students for a moment) My name is Mr. Corpus, and I am your teacher
for today.
Narrator:
( Mr. Corpus looks about the podium, he finds a note from the absent teacher. She has informed him of her classes homework assignment, and
a list of students to be watchful for in every class. Judging from the list, this classroom has a total of six.)
William:
(stands up) Are you our teacher forever?
Mr. Corpus:
First of all, remain seated and if you have a question raise your hand. (William
sits) Now, I am not your permanent teacher. This is just for today.
William:
(boastfully) Oh, our teachers always leave and never come back.
Mr. Corpus:
Nah, not today son. By the way,
what is your name?
William:
My name is William Frith.
Mr. Corpus: (thinking) How come I knew his name would be on this list. (Speaking) Okay class, due to the assembly, class will be very short today. (Kids become frantic with praises) However, we must go over last night’s homework first (Kids now show disappointment). So let’s pull out our vocabulary sentences.
Narrator:
(While the students are going through notebooks and folders, Mr. Corpus has
called roll. He notices that the
students who are on the list for being disruptive have been placed in the front
desks. Therefore, he will
start their vocabulary sentences first.)
Mr. Corpus:
Okay, is it Will?
William:
(angrily) My name is William, man!
Mr. Corpus:
Okay, William. Give the vocabulary
word and say your sentence.
William:
(looks about the room nervously and slowly responds) The word is heroic.
(Pauses) My dad used to be
heroic until he left. Heroic.
Mr. Corpus:
(startled by Will’s sentence looks up) What son?
William:
(annoyed) Heroic man. I just said
my sentence.
Mr. Corpus:
Oh, okay. Umm, Rita you’re next;
lets go.
Rita:
The word is belligerent. The store
clerk was belligerent because he thought I stole.
Belligerent.
Tray:
(anxiously jumps up to say his sentence) The word is fort.
The fort is strong. (The
classroom explodes with laughter)
Mr. Corpus:
(thinking) I guess his name is on here because he’s the comedian.
(Mr. Corpus is not paying much attention to the sentences.
However, there are some that explain a lot about these students
character, which finally grasps his full attention.)
Roberta:
The word is environment. I wished I
lived in a better environment. Environment.
Nicole:
My mother makes me read to expand my knowledge.
The word is Knowledge.
Jay:
When will my father’s schedule be short.
Schedule.
Narrator:
(Mr. Corpus is so intrigued by what he is hearing that he forgets about the
assembly and early dismissal, so Mr. White interrupts the lesson.)
Mr. White:
Mr. Corpus, it is time for the assembly.
Mr. Corpus:
Oh, okay. (students line up to get
out) Mr. White can I speak with you for a moment please.
Mr. White:
Sure, what is it?
Mr. Corpus:
I just wanted to apologize for the comment I made earlier.
Mr. White:
(leaving for the door) Oh, its okay. Like
I said it is your preference.
Mr. Corpus:
Nah, its more than that. You see,
while going over student’s vocabulary sentences I realized something.
Mr. White:
(pauses and turns around) Oh yeah, what’s that?
Mr. Corpus:
I should have not judged these students rashly like I did.
I know I have never subbed at an urbanized school as such, but their
lesson has taught me something today.
Mr. White:
(slowly and inquisitively) Their vocabulary sentences.
Mr. Corpus:
Yes, you see each of the students that have presented their sentence . . . The
sentences explain something to me of their character. Of course, they do not know it, but it reveals something that
shows the type of person they are or what they are going through.
Mr. White:
You know, within twenty minutes you have learned a very important lesson about
teaching, and it is ironic how students taught you this.
You are right; every student grows up differently.
Theme: It is important for teachers to realize that all kids grow up differently. Some in good and others in less fortunate surroundings. What is also significant is what you can offer them as teachers.