Those Who Teach Do More
A Tribute to the American Teacher
by
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Bobby Bowden
Head Football Coach, Florida State University
Every time I sign my name I think of Irene Pierson. She was my writing teacher in the third grade at Barrett Grammar School in Birmingham, Alabama. Actually, every time I sign my name I think of Miss Pierson and my older sister Marion. Both are deceased now but I am reminded of them both daily. It was in 1939 that Miss Pierson taught me to sign my name legibly. She would spend day after day in writing class giving drills and show us the rhythm in writing.
Where my sister comes in is Miss Pierson taught her to write several years before me and Marion had absolutely the prettiest handwriting I have ever seen. I always wished I could write like her. Last week I sat down and signed my name 1,000 times and it took me about three hours. With each signature I unconsciously asked myself is this the way Miss Pierson would want it? Is this the way my sister would do it? Is this as clear and distinct as Marion would do it? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not signing my name 1,000 times for practice but because I get paid for it.
Some people scribble their name when they sign autographs and you can’t read it at all. My dad taught me the most valuable asset I had was my NAME. When I sign signatures I sign it as legible as I can, like Marion and like Miss Pierson would have wanted me to do 60 years ago.
Al Pacino
Actor
I was twelve years old and this wonderful teacher, Blanche Rostein, my drama teacher in school, handed me a Bible and asked me to read the Psalms. To read them to the assembly each week in the auditorium. So, I’d read the Psalms.
Earlier on, I had a taste of the word-the power of the word. I had that feeling and it really shocked me and overwhelmed me. I thought at that point I would like to do that.
A few years later I was in Greenwich Village in New York trying to be an actor. That wonderful teacher, Blanche Rostein, she did more than that--she went that extra step.
I remember her. I have a vision of her in my South Bronx apartment in the kitchen with my grandmother. She’s just sitting there, just talking to my grandmother. I don’t know what she was saying, but I think it’s one of the reasons I’m here today.
Because she took that extra step as teachers are wont to do from time to time. And it’s very important. They really make lives happen.
I love teachers when they do their thing.
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About the Book
This book reflects what we've always known about teaching. It is the most important profession in the world. It's a way of thanking all teachers who have gone beyond the hall passes and homework to become hometown heroes to many.
Over 150 successful people responded to our call to pay tribute to their teachers. In this book you will enjoy the stories of astronauts, actors, athletes, musicians, political leaders and journalists.
To the student considering a career in education, let this book be one of encouragement. To the teacher who wonders if he or she is truly making a difference, let this book be one of affirmation. To everyone who hasn't done so, let this book be a reminder to thank that special teacher.
About the Author
Linda Evanchyk is a member of the faculty at Choctawhatchee High School in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, where she teaches English and journalism. She is also an associate faculty member at Okaloosa-Walton Community College. She has a Master's degree in Communications from the University of West Florida. She holds a Master Journalism Educator certification from the national Journalism Education Association.
Besides serving as adviser for award-winning publications, Evanchyk is a free-lance writer. Her latest works include a history of Choctawhatchee High School, printed in September, 2002; and a contribution to A Miracle Strip: Through the Lens of Arturo and Through the Hearts of Many, published in August, 2002, on the history of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, her hometown. For five years she produced a monthly newspaper for the employees of the school district where she is employed.
Evanchyk has received numerous teaching awards: Teacher of the Year at two high schools, Teacher of the Year for the school district, State of Florida Journalism Teacher of the Year and a Freedom Communications Newspaper in Education Teacher of the Year. She has also been named a Special Recognition Adviser and Distinguished Adviser by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund and in the top 100 nominees for the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2001.
She has spoken at local, state and national conferences, and her articles on scholastic journalism have appeared in several national publications including Quill and Scroll and Communication: Journalism Education Today. Evanchyk was profiled in the January, 2002 issue of Teacher Magazine for her work in scholastic journalism.
When not teaching or working on publications Evanchyk enjoys photography. Her favorite subjects include the beautiful area in which she lives (Florida's Emerald Coast on the Gulf of Mexico) and family members.
Carol Mendenhall has a Master's degree in Supervision from the University of North Florida, and is working on a Master's degree in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Texas in San Antonio. Currently, she is the Director of Instructional Staff Development in the North East Independent School District in San Antonio.
During her thirty years in education she has been a high school English teacher, (her favorite job); an adjunct professor at Florida Junior College and at The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, a yearbook sponsor, a high school assistant principal, and a coordinator of a district secondary gifted/talent program.
Her lifelong work has centered on the teaching/learning process. Throughout her career she has presented on various topics at local, state, national and international conferences. She has served as the president of the Texas Staff Development Council and was named Staff Developer of the Year in 2001.
One of her newest ventures also involves a partner. Together, they have formed a nonprofit organization, The Center for Reflection and Transformation. The first work of the Center was to sponsor a Courage to Teach seminar series. The dream for the organization is to create a place where educators can come for renewal and reflection in order to transform the world of education.
The most important people in her life are husband, Terry; and her two sons, Bryan and Craig. When not working, she can be found beading, reading, or hanging out at the movies.
Carol and Linda met in 1979 when they were on the faculty at a high school in Jacksonville, Florida. Their similar personalities, teaching styles and philosophies have helped them maintain their friendship for over twenty years. The retirement of their principal a few years ago prompted them to write this book.