Incredibly difficult but rewarding job, parenting! I enjoyed reading your post, Keith. In many ways you were a father figure to all us first year teachers back in the day :)
I received this comment from Mr S. on my last post. The comment brought back many good memories and it's surprising how Mr S worked in our experience as colleagues.
Every once in a while you get a comment that really rocks you.
We needed another teacher for the second semester. We picked three applications for interviews. The first interview was a guy who was principal in a rural school. One question we asked people is how would they teach a certain lesson. This guy completely blew the lesson. The second was a young woman in a graduate program. Since it appeared she wanted to make money to finish her program we thought she would leave at the end of the semester. Mr. S had just graduated. He nailed the lesson . Our head of personnel said, "Let's take the kid. If he doesn't pan out we can let him go." Mr S stayed his entire career in the system and retired this year.
One of the other young guys always called me Dad and still does to this day even if he is retired.
Now all those years I thought the young guys were looking after me! I told Mr. S. that I watched the young guys but I was watching for the latest strategies they came out with.
Those were happy days.
Camaraderie is such an important ingredient in a job situation. I believe you all had it.
ReplyDeleteThe young teachers knew how to teach and they were not afraid of hard work.
DeleteWhat a nice way to be remembered, Red.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's much appreciated.
DeleteHow nice to receive a comment like that from Mr S. It makes a difference when people let you know they appreciate you. It sounds like you had a wonderful group of people to work with at your school!
ReplyDeleteThey were young teachers, knew how to teach , liked kids and didn't mind hard work.
DeletePerhaps we younger bloggers should also start calling you "Dad" Dad!
ReplyDeleteWell, of course! I taught with and excellent group of young teachers.
DeleteThat's nice validation.
ReplyDeleteThey were an excellent group to work with.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteGreat memory. It is nice when everyone get along so well, co-workers can feel like family at times. Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!
We worked well and everybody was respected.
DeleteWhat a lovely comment to receive, Red. It's the best part of blogging and the internet being able to connect this way.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Mr S followed me!
DeleteWow so nice to be appreciated!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I appreciated the group back. they worked hard.
DeleteYou learned from each other! That is the best way for teachers to be. Well done, Red!
ReplyDeleteTeaching is a cooperative process.
DeleteYou were respected and liked very much by the people surrounding you.
ReplyDeleteThey made the job easier but the kids benefited most.
DeleteA good way of things turning out.
ReplyDeleteYes, it could be the other way and that would be sad.
DeleteI apologize for not reading you prior post, but parenting is the best job I ever had and my short career as an educator came in close second. You were obviously very important to people and can relax knowing you made a difference in the world.
ReplyDeleteI sure enjoy hearing about your teaching days, and those who became friends for life. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh awesome, Red! What a warm and wonderful feeling that must be. I can just imagine what a supportive role model you were to these young teachers.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely compliment. Splendid memories here, another enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteA great team comes from great leadership, which is evident in your comments here where you reflect the praise back to the team.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bouquet he gave you and what a long career he had. It's great to hear about
This is great. What a touching post.
ReplyDeletethis is heartwarming dear Red !
ReplyDeletethis is rewarding to receive such acknowledgment from students and colleagues .
i think you were not just a great teacher but incredibly generous and friendly colleague too which placed you in the heart of other in highest place !
hubby is a teacher in collage and i see sometime how he mentions about his ex students who left long ago but still pay visit when come to the city ,this is inspiring indeed.
you certainly have made your existence " successful" hats off to you!