The Echo

Abstract

Hector on his creativity, Ms. Bermudo proceeds to delete all the obviously noneducational material from the tablet one file at a time. The class titters at Hector's misfortune, reciting rules about the iPads to one another to punctuate Ms. Bermudo's teasing. Because she has shown them that she is in control, she can afford to be indulgent, to let them have a laugh.A student at a nearby table chimes in, "You should check his browser history, Miss." The class erupts into jeers and catcalls, clearly savoring Hector's continuing embarrassment.Ms. Bermudo, bemused, says, "I should." She continues her examination of Hector's iPad, languidly swiping to delete Hector's collections with the same elegant gesture seen in advertisements. Hector looks beyond Ms. Bermudo, still standing above him, and rather matter-of-factly informs his classmate that if anything objectionable should be found in the browser history, he will beat the other kid's ass.The class looks to Ms. Bermudo, and a hush falls over them as they wait to see if she will punish the threat of violence, an expulsion-worthy infraction. A bell rings, ending the class period, but all the students remain seated. They sit expectantly, looking at Ms. Bermudo, waiting for her to tell them whether or not they can move.