Mr. Southworth

Mr. Southworth teaches fifth grade to Robyn Jacobs, Oscar, and Pamela. He encourages students to explain what they believe, praising Robyn's class report about becoming a Christian while allowing Oscar's sincere questions to continue. In the classroom, he also insists on fairness, refusing Robyn's request to substitute a stronger speller when Oscar's turn could decide a team contest. Southworth mentions different learning methods, including recorded lessons, though Robyn must eventually find a study approach that fits her. His class reveals both Oscar's reading struggles and Robyn's impatience with him. Steady and fair-minded, Mr. Southworth creates situations where academic performance cannot be separated from character. His students learn that knowledge matters, but patience, truth, and love shape how that knowledge should be used.