One time when I was on jury duty, we listened to evidence for more than eight days about a burglary where a man stole a jar of coins after breaking a kitchen window. After hearing the cases assembled by two attorneys with last names that were so similar the judge often confused these two words, we headed to the deliberation room.
Introducing ourselves, we learned about the man who led tours to Italy, the woman who works at the Hallmark store, the retired state worker who had been waiting for his turn at jury duty more than fifty years.
When I mentioned that I am an English teacher, no one wanted to write on the chalk board. They were too concerned that I’d correct their writing.
Of course, I will point out typos in signs, menus, magazines. I have even brought the spelling error in this mural in an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL multipurpose room to the attention of administrators on more than one occasion. Next time I visit, I am bringing a Sharpie to fix it.
But spoken English or brainstorming outside of an English class? I won’t even flinch (too much).
