What do you think of Miss Caroline Fisher as a teacher?

Scout's first-grade teacher, who is a newcomer to both Maycomb and teaching, is inexperienced and naive. It is also evident that Miss Fisher is not familiar with the type of poverty that is prevalent in Maycomb. She cannot understand that little Walter Cunningham doesn't have a lunch. She offers to lend him money, but he refuses to take it. Walter comes to the first day of school with no shoes, mended overalls and no lunch, but his shirt is clean.

Scout notices the frustration between Miss Fisher and Walter, and tries to explain. Everyone in Maycomb knows about the Cunninghams. They have very little money and do not take anything if they cannot afford to pay it back. Miss Fisher offered to loan Walter money for lunch, but he knew that he couldn't repay her. When Scout tells Miss Fisher about this, the teacher gets frustrated with her.

Miss Fisher holds up cards with letters on them. She doesn't realize that most of the students are in first grade for the second or third time. Scout's problems increase when Miss Fisher discovers that Scout can read and write. She insists that Scout will not learn to read yet, and she must print. These instructions frustrate Scout who loves to read and write and sees nothing wrong with that. Calpurnia taught Scout to write, even though writing isn't taught until the third grade.

Scout continues to try and explain the Cunningham's situation with Miss Fisher, but the teacher losses patience with her. Before long, Scout finds herself standing in the corner. The lunch bell rings and Scout can leave for lunch. She notices that Miss Fisher laid her head on her desk, but cannot manage to feel sorry for her.