AN INTERVIEW WITH 2011-2012 TEACHER OF THE YEAR: MR. EARL
What were the factors that influenced you to become a teacher?
Several factors influenced me to enter the teaching profession. I recognized that my interpersonal skills enabled me to connect with people, especially children, and that I could be a positive role model. I spent sixteen years in the post office, and the last twelve years of that career as a supervisor. Besides managing between twenty and one hundred union employees, my responsibilities afforded me the opportunity to interface with the public on a daily basis. On many occasions I would lead seminars presented to community leaders and business owners explaining the post office’s mission, services, and viability. However, the most enjoyable moments were when elementary school students, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scout troops would come in for tours. I developed informative, hands-on activities and lessons which the children willingly participated. Seeing their desire to learn, coupled with my ability to hold their attention and engage them, and influenced my return to college to earn a teaching certification.
Similarly, as a volunteer fireman I have represented our company in many fire-safety awareness programs. I designed and implemented lessons for pre-school aged children, aforementioned scouting troops, as well as for senior citizens. Additionally, with the assistance of our Art teacher and local fire officials, I presented awards to honor winners of the District Fire Safety Poster Contest. Seeing theses children and adults positively respond to my instruction, was another impetus for me to start a new career.
These reasons served as seed to plant the idea for a life changing decision to embark on a career as a teacher, but my daughter is the soil from which I’ve been sewn. Watching her learn and grow, while being able to impart my positive influence upon her, was the driving force to enter the educational field. I thought then, and still believe now, that there could be no greater joy then to teach a child.
I consider the following my greatest contributions in education. Implementation of a rigorous and ever changing curriculum is an important aspect of my job that I strive for excellence. There are quantitative measurements such as perfect scores by students on NJ-ASK, National Honor Society recipients, as well as essay and geography contest winners. But they pale in comparison to the simple “Thank you” that I receive from students and parents. The messages, letters, emails, and cards I have received are what I cherish the most. It is a privilege and an honor to be a teacher.
