Today is Labor Day, a truly American holiday. For many of my generation, work has been a mainstay in our lives. To get through college, I worked four jobs each summer and one or two during the school year. When the salary of my first ever teaching job in 1974 was a paltry $8100, it was not enough to pay my bills, so I worked all summer as a playground supervisor. During my teaching career, I coached, directed, tutored, provided homebound instruction, proctored the SAT, sponsored clubs, and chaperoned dances, all jobs that I enjoyed. I really like working, feeling good about my work, and reaping the financial rewards. I loved teaching for 37 years, and would have taught longer if my husband had not become ill. Consequently, I like the idea of Labor Day celebrating the working person.
Allow me to tell you about a man who really loves his work. I saw a spot on the TODAY SHOW about an announcer for the LA Dodgers who has been at that job for 64 years! He isn't just any announcer- this guy broadcasts the LA Dodgers baseball games in Spanish! Jamie Jarrin began his broadcasting career in 1959 and this year, 2022, will be his final season. Throughout his years in the booth, he has "taught" the game to many Latino people, and the Spanish culture has become a part of Dodger Stadium as well, with marachi bands and almost half of the patrons are Spanish. Mr. Jimmer has enriched the American culture with the blending of his culture, and brought thousands of new fans to the game.
To see a terrific interview with Jamie Jimmer, please click on the link below. This man exemplifies love of job and country, so he is my choice of poster person for this Labor Day.
https://www.today.com/video/mlb-spanish-language-broadcaster-jaime-jarrin-to-retire-147749445680
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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Twitter @dederittman
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