Thank you Past, Current & Future Teachers

The tragic events that took place in Florida on Wednesday February 14th were senseless, heartbreaking and irreversible.  Kids go to schools to learn and interact with their peers; they should not be afraid to go into a classroom.

One school shooting is one too many.  I believe teaching is a tireless profession and now more than ever we need positive role models & effective leaders in Education.  Through  Junior Achievement I am able to volunteer and be a Teacher for a Day once a semester and it is one of the most rewarding things I do all year.  I have always had such admiration and compassion for teachers, this week specifically I was reminded how important their positions truly are.  Thank you all.

Gennie, Janelle, Sheryl, Jessica, Melissa, Mindy, Sarah, and Jenny, thank you for your services as teachers.  Hats off to you ladies, I wish you made twice as much money as you do & have double the time off.

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When I was younger my dad used to tell me if I was ever feeling discouraged to try to think of something I was also grateful for and that it’s physically impossible to feel two emotions at the same time.  Rather than getting caught up watching the debates on the news or hearing more about the bad guy I wanted to focus on at least 3 good guys and I tell them how great they were 15 years ago.

In my experiences there are always more good people in this world than bad. Always, and if you think someone is bad, they are just anxious, give them more time and they will almost always surprise you.  My dad would often say look for the helpers.  He would tell my brother and I, “look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping” during the times of tragedy and he was right.  To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my dads words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers; good teachers and so many caring people in this world. 

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Thanks Greg for letting me win at tennis a few matches and great choice for BBQ after in Plainfield.  With your full beard, your quick wit, & your vast amount of knowledge you would pass onto me during our post high school relationship, you often remind me of Robin Williams the professor in Good Will Hunting. 


​"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."  
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​​I hope you are enjoying the retirement life in California & you still use your favorite word kum·quat, I think of you whenever I see that orange fruit, a tennis court & live music. 

​Thank you Greg for being a great teacher, friend & mentor.  

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​You Rock Hacken' Holub and the Pythagorean theorem lives on today.  Rob and I idolized you in high school and we continue to look to you for support & guidance as adults.  

"A good teacher must be able to put himself in the place of those who find learning hard." 


​​​​On days you had to separate us because we were distracting you from teaching your lesson, we say Thank You for having patience.  On days you dressed up in costume in an effort to reach a single student we say Thank You, you touched many more than just one.  For the nuggets of wisdom you continue to share with Rob and I as adults almost 20 years later, we say Thank You Tony.  

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"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.  

​Below is a short video from my high school English teacher Mr. Jim Coventry who was a huge influence on me growing up.  When he taught, he created & demonstrated reciprocal energy 15 years ago when I was a student.  Reciprocal Energy is sharing (hopefully) a good attitude, actions and behaviors with the people around you.  When we saw Mr. Coventry with a good attitude, often times we as students had a good attitude ourselves.

​Thank you Mr. Cov for all you did & continue to do, you are an amazing inspiration to hundreds and hundreds of young men and women and we are lucky to have spent the time with you that we did.  you are a real MVP.  

Thank you past, current and future teachers of America.