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| GraciousQuotes.com |
I attended a fundraiser at Top Golf a few weeks ago, invited by the CEO of the charity holding the fundraiser. While introducing me around, I was pleased to meet a graduate of North Allegheny High School, the district in which I taught for 35 years. The man graduated in 1977, and he said I could not have possible been teaching at NA back then, but indeed, 1976-77 was my first year at NA, teaching grade 10 English.I mentioned some of his fellow graduates, and we had quite a nice conversation. Eventually, the talk turned to the teaching staff. He had fond memories of so many of my retired colleagues, which prompted me to think, once again, about the lasting legacy of a good teacher. I have written about this many times before, but I never tire of the subject.
I taught in a school district that boasted a staff of teachers who all seemed to be over-achievers. The joke was always this - that covering the entire application was one big box to check - OVER-ACHIEVER. I swear - almost everyone loved their jobs, and our district grew in leaps and bounds, and so did the honors bestowed upon the teachers, the academic strengths of students, the sports programs, and the extracurricular activities. Every school building became a blue-ribbon school. I have long believed that excellence creates more excellence, which is what happened all those years at North Allegheny. As the man and I continued our conversation, he asked me about his former Shop teacher, and said that he still had the gun cabinet he made as his senior class project. I told him the teacher was still around, and I connected them via email. When I called my Shop teacher friend to tell him about this chance encounter with a former student at Top Golf, he said that I made his week! Even all these years later - it is still so wonderful for teachers to know that their hard work mattered then, and their lessons in curriculum and life continue to make a difference in the lives of former students.
I love seeing former students and catching up with them, hearing their stories, and knowing that our staff made a difference in their lives. "The influence of a great teacher can never be erased."
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!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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