You cut the overhead lights, let your reading lamp burn a soft yellow, and focus in on the stack of essays that were printed about three seconds before class: This explains why about half of them are paperclipped. You give yourself a moment to brace yourself before delving into the onslaught; reminders of the increasing deterioration of writing. You curse the dystopian-level reliance on technology and the ever-so present apathy of the modern day teen. However, you will grade them, you will give feedback, and come morning, you will walk through those classroom doors once more to fight the good fight. Why? Well, you certainly did not get into this profession to make your wallet happy, you did it because you, at your very core, want to help. 

Pretty words, but you’re looking for solutions; not words of praise or pizza in the faculty room to tell you how awesome you are. So, let’s try some cooking in the classroom.