Flinging open his classroom door on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 27, social studies teacher Jeff Strickland pauses in his tracks, noting the disappearance of the chairs and desks in his room. AP Government students sit on the floor around the room waiting for an explanation, but with more important business to take care of, Strickland marched out of the door. Within minutes, under the supervision of Strickland, boys from social studies teacher Dustin Stinnett’s US History class come to carefully place each chair and desk precisely in their former location. This prank was one of many throughout the history of a unique relationship between Strickland and Stinnett.
“Trying to recall my first prank is like trying to recall my first drink of water,” Strickland said. “I’ve always been this way.”
The two began their long line of pranking during Stinnett’s student teaching in 2006. After randomly finding his computer mouse covered in hand sanitizer after Strickland covered his class, Stinnett returned the favor by soaking Strickland’s black plush desk chair with water. Though Strickland was only “legitimately mad for 15 seconds,” the jokes continued to escalate.
“My family conducts themselves in a manner where if you’re friends with someone, you joke around with them,” Stinnett said. “It’s a sign of affection.”
Stinnett did not feel the affection, however, after Strickland pulled his “best” prank that quickly went downhill.
“I would come into his classroom [on occasion] and spell words incorrectly on his whiteboard. During in-service day with elementary teachers in his classroom, teachers [saw the words and] complained about his inability to spell,” Strickland said. “They complained to the powers that be.”
Stinnett experienced negative results from Strickland’s fun and games, but didn’t take it too seriously.
“The jokes wouldn’t be worth it without an initial emotional response,” Stinnett said. “But we don’t get mad.”
Despite the outcome of this prank, they continue to battle without contributions from other teachers. In this game, Stinnett said there was “no help needed.”
“Some [teachers] don’t even know about all of this,” Strickland said. “They’re much too busy for these hijinks.”
From bike chaining laptop carts to desks to stealing desks and chairs, Strickland and Stinnett maintain a comical relationship.
“We’re actually not even friends,” Strickland said sarcastically. “We need a reason to interact and this is the only way to do it.”
The two plan to continue their hijinks every couple months to make their days more enjoyable.
“It entertains us.” Strickland said. “It keeps it lively, it keeps it fun, it keeps it lighthearted.”
