the problem is that boys are both illiterate and assertive, or even VERY assertive when they are hidden behind their computer monitor in their parents' basements.
Yes, Jackass: The Movie is about boys. And some of our most troublesome Wikipedia vandals are teenage boys. We have only had a handful of serious girl vandals.
Taken seriously, an illiterate very assertive person, male or female, is extraordinarily dangerous. That's Hitler.
Thank your for your service. That is the standard thank you given to military veterans in the United States, but can certainly be extended to any teacher.
Fred