teachers who need to rest and recover

August 15, 2024 6:21 AM

Two short fantasy stories about teaching and burnout. "This Mentor Lives" by J.R. Dawson & John Wiswell, published July 2024 in Haven Speculative: "We're not sure how your lungs are still working. You can't run around in this state. You're not 900 anymore." (Wiswell previously.) "By Salt, By Sea, By Light of Stars" by Premee Mohamed, published June 2024 in Strange Horizons: "She didn’t want another apprentice. She wanted peace and quiet." (Mohamed previously.)
posted by brainwane (4 comments total)

Music silted from outside
marvelous description
posted by HearHere at 11:37 AM on August 15, 2024 [1 favorite]

Thank you! :)))
posted by Literaryhero at 2:25 PM on August 15, 2024 [1 favorite]

If we're talking about teacher stories rough on the feels, try one of my favorites, "Rickey," by Marguerite Sheffer.
posted by Scattercat at 6:13 PM on August 15, 2024

Oh, my, these are both so good. “This Mentor Lives” is an adrenaline shot of feels, while “By Salt, By Sea, By Light of Stars” is playing more subtle melodies. I come from a family of teachers, and recognize both the tiredness and hope for their students in both of these depictions.
posted by sgranade at 5:22 PM on August 16, 2024 [1 favorite]