Stephen Zeldag, a 16-year-old student at Oak Ridge High School in Eldorado Hills, CA was dared by one of his teachers to eat a dead fly. The teacher stated if he did eat the fly that he would be given an “A” on his test. Stephen thought this was an easy way out and took the dare. His teacher then wrote on this paper, “Here is your ‘A’ on your test” but then gave him an “F” in the grade book after Stephen scored a nine out of 46.
Stephen is outraged that his teacher would do this to him; they had agreed and shook hands to seal the deal. As a parent I too am outraged, on so many levels. First off, how could a teacher dare a student to eat a dead fly? Secondly, if he did make the deal and shook hands on it, how could he back out after it was done? This never should have even been an issue. How dare a teacher, someone your child is supposed to look up to and seek guidance from, make him the butt of a joke?
If my kids came home and told me they were dared by a teacher to eat a dead bug, I would be down at the office first thing. I am in school at the moment, obtaining my teaching degree and could not imagine doing this to one of my students. A grade should only be given for the work done, not something silly like eating a bug. This was the first mistake the teacher made. Secondly, you should never dare a student to do anything like this. Disgusting. Lastly, if he did make the deal, he should have followed through because he did give his word to that student. He lost all respect with his actions.
The school’s principle has not commented, only stating an investigation is underway. I hope this teacher faces some sort of discipline for his actions. I also hope the student now realizes that sometimes when you try to take the easy way out, things don’t go as you’d hoped. If he would have studied, he would have been able to pass the test. Stephen did ask to take the test again, but his teacher denied the request.
