Putnam voted best teacher

By James Norton

In a recent informal survey, the Liberator balloted 130 random West High students to gain a reasonably accurate idea as to who the most popular teachers serving within our halls are. Surveys were handed out at random, with no consideration given to age, social class, or race, and as a result, our sampling cannot be considered scientific; nonetheless, with about 7% of the West High population participating. our survey should give a fairly accurate representation of the mood of the student body.

Students voted for their five favorite teachers, with their number one favorite receiving five points, their number two favorite receiving four points, etcetera down to their number five favorite who picked up a single point.

The favorite of our students, with a crushing 146 points, was Mr. Putnam, a history teacher widely known for his easy-going ways and mellow sense of humor. The next runner-up, with 118 points. was the famed Mr. Lyon, practically the mascot of the WestWord, and the most popular English teacher in our survey. Mr. Dean, Mr. Bruce Mjaanes, and Mr. Prugh followed in third, fourth and fifth place, giving West's History Department a sweeping vote of approval. All teachers in our top five received certificates of their Liberated status, as well as $1 gift certificates to stores of our choice.

Mr. Putnam, additionally, received one of those really cheap books they sell outside of Borders Bookshop. Congratulations to all that made the grade!

In general, math and science departments did poorly, with foreign language teachers coming in near the middle, with history and English teachers dominating the top of our favorite teacher list. In addition to surveying students on teachers, the Liberator additionally asked students the question: "How would you rate Elizabeth Burmaster's performance as principal."

Overall results reflected an attitude of discontent, with 53% ot those with an opinion describing her pert orinance as "poor" or "horrible." and only 9% giving her marks higher than "satisfactory." Interesting comments came scrawled across some of the surveys, despite the fact we didn't allow space for them; one survey rated her "Horrible - but she has good hair!" Another survey participant added another rating for Elizabeth Burmaster: "Lynch Her." They went onto check "Satisfactorv" for her performance. Weird. The two extremes of opinion were exemplified by these two comments "Outstanding - she kicks ass" and "Horrible – she's a fucking condescending bitch! Bitch! Bitch!" My. At any rate, thanks to all poll participants for your input. and look out for the next Liberator poll heading your way.