The Accidental Substitute: How a Stand Up Comedian Became a Part Time Teacher

by nathan timmel

What happens when you put a stand-up comedian in a classroom full of middle schoolers, not as an entertainer, but as their teacher?

A bit of hilarity ensues, as you’d expect. But more importantly, you get a glimpse of the American education system from an unexpected source — a system that’s startling in contrast to just a few years ago.

Students sitting back, having their work done for them by “para-professionals.” Teachers bound by a code of behavior that makes quieting a disruptive classroom near-impossible. And a fear of inappropriate touching so pervasive that substitute teachers are trained more on “touching boundaries” than classroom control. These and others are among the landmines to be navigated in the average school today.

Delivering a refreshing outsider’s take on the state of the classroom, Nathan explains how the current system is letting our kids down and their parents off the hook too easily. Funny and brutal but always honest, “The Accidental Substitute” will leave you laughing and itching to kick a desk.

22 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2013

About the author

Nathan Timmel has been writing since he could scribble using crayons. As a comedian, he has released six albums—four of which are in rotation on Sirius/XM radio—and has appeared on The Bob & Tom Show.

Nathan currently lives in Iowa with his wife, daughter (who was born on his wedding anniversary. Neat, eh?), son, and their annoying cat (named Turtle).