"Teacher Trouble" by Dianne Swenson.

"Teacher Trouble" Hot Shot By: Dianne Swenson Summary "Hot Shot" is a story about a boy named Rusty who lives in a reform school and who is well known as being a 'trouble-maker.' The only person who Rusty seems to listen to at all is his teacher Miss Cavelli. After Rusty gets in trouble in class, Miss Cavelli suggests to him that she help him become the 'hot shot' that she knew he was …

…Girl Author: Dianne Swenson Grade Level: 3rd Grade 1. After the students read "The Strange Girl" have them get into small groups to discuss the story. They will also discuss the fact that Jane had trouble working in groups. 2. Why is working in groups a good thing? What could Jane have done differently when working in her group? 3. The students can demonstrate how to properly work in a group and how to cooperate in a group.