(I am a very quiet and passive kid, which makes me a target of bullies. We have an event outside the classroom before physics class, and one of the kids is bothering me. The teacher comes out to announce that it is time to return to class.)

Teacher: “Go ahead kids; I’ll catch up in a moment.”

(We all go to the classroom and, since we already have assigned work, start to solve it. After a few minutes, the teacher comes to the classroom and starts doing rounds and checking the students’ work. He comes to my desk.)

Teacher: “What’s this? You haven’t done anything in this time?”

(I am confused, as I have been working.)

Me: “What? I—”

Teacher: “No, no, I won’t allow this. You’re coming with me to see the principal.”

(He guides me outside, with me completely scared and confused. We reach the principal’s office.)

Teacher: “This is him.”

Principal: “Thank you.” *to me* “Your teacher here just told me you were getting bullied. Can you tell me more?”

(It turns out that my teacher’s act was to get me to the principal without the bullies thinking I was going to tattle on them! To this day I still hold that teacher in very high regard.)