Well, it's official. In August, I will be heading back to the classroom to pursue my first love...... Teaching! Rumors in a small town are amazing and have a life all there own. So, I think it's important to share with you why the change.
Most people don't realize the amount of time required of a High School Athletic Director. Garrett High School offers our students great opportunities in extracurricular activities and athletics. During a single year, our High School athletes participate in over 400 contests. All of these contests require scheduling officials and workers. They require coordination of transportation and communication with each school. Over half of these events are home. It leaves very little time to spend with family. I have 3 daughters. One lives in North Carolina (I haven't been to visit my Daughter since May 2011). One lives in St. Louis (with two of my grandchildren) and one lives in Berne, IN (with 3 of my grandchildren). I have a grandson that is a pretty good wrestler and football player. I have a grand daughter who is a pretty good runner and will be entering High School next year. I need to be a Grandpa and support my grand kids. I couldn't do that without neglecting my duties as Athletic Director at GHS.
In December, I privately told Principal Matt Smith, I would be interested in moving back into the classroom if we got an opening in Math. Well, a couple weeks ago, due to new requirements at the state, we need another Math Teacher. God is amazing. Discussions began immediately about me taking that position. Through the divine providence of God, I will be able to go back to the Classroom and we are getting a Great Football Coach and Athletic Director, Chris DePew. I am so excited about the changes. Chris and I have worked very closely over the past 4 years. He will do a great job as AD and I will get to be a Grandpa. I'm sure he will work well with the Best High School Athletic Secretary in the World, Becky Blotkamp. I was worried about that. Chris will get to be with his family and I will get to be with mine. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
I love teaching. I love being with kids. The one thing I missed being Athletic Director was the direct, day-to-day contact, with students. Almost 2 years ago, as a part of my teaching license renewal, I took a course called Web 2.0. This class was all about how the Internet and technology is being used in the classroom. It really got me excited for our school and education across the country. GHS has been very active in transforming our school to a 21st century school. Now I get to be a part of all that excitement. Never before have so many resources been available for teachers and students. I can't wait to share that excitement with the students at GHS!
I have thoroughly enjoyed being Athletic Director at GHS. Our Coaches and their dedication to teaching our kids, is second to none. I might put in a lot of time throughout the season, but I don't think people know how much time these coaches also put in. They are teachers just as much as our English, math, and other academic teachers. They teach in a laboratory where they are modeling character, goal setting, and life. I will miss being there for them and supporting them through the ups and downs.
I love this community and I can't think of anywhere else I would want to teach. God has provided this great opportunity. He has unveiled this great plan. When I'm not being a Grandpa, I will be supporting our GHS student-athletes. I'm not going anywhere. I plan on being greatly involved in preparing your kids for life. Now it will be in the classroom instead of on the athletic field or court. I grew up just down the road in the Carroll School District. But, the blood that runs through my veins is PURE MAROON AND BLUE! Go Railroaders!
Most people don't realize the amount of time required of a High School Athletic Director. Garrett High School offers our students great opportunities in extracurricular activities and athletics. During a single year, our High School athletes participate in over 400 contests. All of these contests require scheduling officials and workers. They require coordination of transportation and communication with each school. Over half of these events are home. It leaves very little time to spend with family. I have 3 daughters. One lives in North Carolina (I haven't been to visit my Daughter since May 2011). One lives in St. Louis (with two of my grandchildren) and one lives in Berne, IN (with 3 of my grandchildren). I have a grandson that is a pretty good wrestler and football player. I have a grand daughter who is a pretty good runner and will be entering High School next year. I need to be a Grandpa and support my grand kids. I couldn't do that without neglecting my duties as Athletic Director at GHS.
In December, I privately told Principal Matt Smith, I would be interested in moving back into the classroom if we got an opening in Math. Well, a couple weeks ago, due to new requirements at the state, we need another Math Teacher. God is amazing. Discussions began immediately about me taking that position. Through the divine providence of God, I will be able to go back to the Classroom and we are getting a Great Football Coach and Athletic Director, Chris DePew. I am so excited about the changes. Chris and I have worked very closely over the past 4 years. He will do a great job as AD and I will get to be a Grandpa. I'm sure he will work well with the Best High School Athletic Secretary in the World, Becky Blotkamp. I was worried about that. Chris will get to be with his family and I will get to be with mine. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
I love teaching. I love being with kids. The one thing I missed being Athletic Director was the direct, day-to-day contact, with students. Almost 2 years ago, as a part of my teaching license renewal, I took a course called Web 2.0. This class was all about how the Internet and technology is being used in the classroom. It really got me excited for our school and education across the country. GHS has been very active in transforming our school to a 21st century school. Now I get to be a part of all that excitement. Never before have so many resources been available for teachers and students. I can't wait to share that excitement with the students at GHS!
I have thoroughly enjoyed being Athletic Director at GHS. Our Coaches and their dedication to teaching our kids, is second to none. I might put in a lot of time throughout the season, but I don't think people know how much time these coaches also put in. They are teachers just as much as our English, math, and other academic teachers. They teach in a laboratory where they are modeling character, goal setting, and life. I will miss being there for them and supporting them through the ups and downs.
I love this community and I can't think of anywhere else I would want to teach. God has provided this great opportunity. He has unveiled this great plan. When I'm not being a Grandpa, I will be supporting our GHS student-athletes. I'm not going anywhere. I plan on being greatly involved in preparing your kids for life. Now it will be in the classroom instead of on the athletic field or court. I grew up just down the road in the Carroll School District. But, the blood that runs through my veins is PURE MAROON AND BLUE! Go Railroaders!
Surprised, but not surprised. I know how much your family and especially your grandkids mean to you! It is amazing how God has opened the door for you to move back into the classroom. I am certain you are an amazing teacher and will put 110% into helping your students be the best that they can be. Good luck as you transition back to teaching. Klayton is a fine young man and I know you will love following the Starfires! My best to both you and Steph. Hope to see you soon!
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