<<“Excuse me? Say that again, please?” Everyone knew that she had heard him the first time, even above their noise, but they grew quiet for Caleb’s voice to rise alone>>

I think this is a nice line. (“rise alone”)

I just don’t understand why… she’s a horrible nasty thing, a nightmare teacher, and I don’t understand why she even has to exist. I put myself in the places of the children, and am horrified, and it’s not clear why. 

What am I missing?

It seems to me that this degree of nastiness requires some sort of justification. Maybe I’m missing the reason. 

The story is effective, but it causes a certain unhappiness in me that isn’t explained or resolved. 

(Not a good critic, just trying to say what happens as I read.)

Cheers

Julie