One day, parents chose what they thought was the best school for their son. Early in the morning, the boy’s grandfather took him to this school. As they walked into the courtyard, they were quickly surrounded by a group of children.
“Look at that funny old man!” one boy laughed.
“Hey, little fatso!” another sneered at the grandson.
The children began to shout and jump around them, teasing both the grandfather and his grandson. Just then, the school bell rang, signaling the start of the lesson, and the children scattered.
Without saying a word, the grandfather firmly took his grandson’s hand and led him out of the school.
“Yay, I don’t have to go to school!” the boy cheered, thinking he was free for the day.
“You’ll go to school,” the grandfather replied sternly, “but not this one. I’ll find a better place for you.”
Determined, the grandfather took his grandson back home and left him in the care of his grandmother. He then set out to find a better school and teacher.
At each school he visited, the grandfather would wait in the courtyard until the children came out for a break. In some schools, the children ignored him completely, while in others, they teased and mocked him just like the first group. Each time, the grandfather silently turned away and continued his search.
Finally, he came across a small school with a tiny courtyard. Exhausted, he leaned against the fence, watching as the bell rang and children rushed outside.
To his surprise, one child noticed him and said, “Grandpa, are you okay? Can I get you some water?”
Another child offered, “We have a bench inside, would you like to sit down?”
A third child asked, “Should I call the teacher for you?”
Soon, a young teacher appeared and approached the grandfather. The old man greeted him and said, “At last, I’ve found the best school for my grandson.”
The teacher, looking puzzled, replied, “I think you’re mistaken, sir. Our school is small and cramped, nothing special.”
But the grandfather knew better. He spoke with the teacher, made all the arrangements, and left feeling satisfied.
That evening, the boy’s mother asked the grandfather, “Father, how can you be so sure you’ve found the best teacher? You’re not educated yourself.”
The grandfather smiled and said, “A teacher is judged by their students.”
