We've heard from forum members who serve the public both in law enforcement and also fire protection. So now, how many of you also serve the public (currently or retired) at any level, preschool to university in private or public education as either a teacher, instructor, professor, counselor, psychologist, D.A.R.E. or school resource officer, media specialist, instructional support assistant or other support capacity or in an administrative capacity? All positions that benefit from the stress reduction aspect of model railroading.
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I am a PHD at a local university.
I'm a tradesman. PHD stands for
Plumbing Heating and Drains
Kenn - I'm a retired elementary school principal. Retired in 2001 after 33 years in the educational field.
Paul
I am a prof at a research and teaching university. -Ken
I am currently an Elementary School Substitute with hopes of eventually getting my own classroom. I also teach karate classes to elementary-age children.
I like to joke with people that kids just won't leave me alone
I am a 20 year high school teacher.
Retired Wood Shop or Industrial Arts Teacher for grades 7-12.
In my long career, I have served as a journalism professor (full time or adjunct) at The Ohio State University, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Maryland (College Park). Also served six years as Senior Editor, News & Information, at Virginia Tech.
I enjoy teaching more than just about anything else I have done in my long career in journalism and photojournalism (aside from working with OGR, of course).
Just started my 18th year a few weeks ago at my middle school. Teach computer applications as well as head coach of cross-country, basketball, and track teams.
I have been an adjunct at various universities since 1976. Now teach full time at Butler University.
I'm retired after 32 years as a high school shop teacher, media specialist and, most recently, Technology Administrator. Also was an adjunct teacher at Fairfield U in CT.
I still do software design and consulting with a few school districts. (student datasystems, report cards, curriculum planning)
Enjoyed working with students and staff in the various positions, but, I must say, this retirement thing is pretty nice!
Ed
I was a 9th grade science teacher for 34 years at just 1 school. I retired early, 10 years ago (because it really was time to go-no more fun) and I have never looked back.
Oh yeah, also coached cross country, track, girls middle school basketball and was the school's athletic equiptment manager
One of my past (and first) profession was a High School Industrial Arts (automotive) teacher back in the days when schools offered it. I left the field just as partial computerization was being introduced into the field. Now, although I am not teaching, I am making a living using my mechanical skills.
After a career in Naval Aviation; 18 years as a Professor & Assoc. Dean at a Government University. Currently work for a small woman owned company affiliated with ODU teaching Project Management and Systems Engineering.
Was certified to teach, but only worked as a sub in high schools on occasion. Now that I have retired, I drive a school bus full time. The big difference is, teachers have 20 kids sitting in front of them trying to act up. Drivers have 65 kids sitting behind them trying to act up.
I really enjoy interacting with the kids and kind of think I missed out by not going into the field of school teaching. My wife retired from teaching last year, after 35 years service in elementary schools
Jeff
33 years in high school science, retired 12 years ago....plus coaching track and cross country many pounds ago.
...and, Jeff, you're right - I wouldn't have wanted to spend those 33 years with my back to the class. My hat's off to you.
Jim
I was an instructor at A Major Eastern University (tm) before I retired three years back.
1971 to 1977 Out of college, I taught, Physics and Chemistry at our local high school. Seems like the educator part never leaves. Working on the grandchildren at present.
Mike
Now retired, taught psychology and was Associate Dean at a Jesuit university.
Scotie
Currently in my 10th year as an elementary/middle school special education teacher.
I lead a seminar in foreign policy at the local community college. The class is quite popular and we recently added a second location and an extra section at the main campus. It is a non-credit "personal enrichment" class for adults. I designed the course myself and pitched it to the college. Ironically, the idea was rejected in the undergraduate campus because I don't have advanced degrees, but it has worked out quite nicely in the "Community Campus." I am a retired foreign affairs professional with years of overseas experience, but the system values credentials over experience. Actually I prefer my current gig anyway; I don't have to grade papers.
I was a professor at the Harvard Business School from 1963 to 1972 teaching transportation, logistics, corporate planning, and marketing.
Lew Schneider
Anyone have any regrets?
My younger son just got his BS in mathematics (with a minor in physics). He's thinking about being a High School teacher, and hopefully football coach.
Becoming a teacher would require him to get some more education, which is not a bad thing anyway. But, on the other hand ..... he's eager to join the workforce now.
He thinks he would enjoy teaching .... just not sure.
Jim,
In many states, Math teachers are in demand... that's a good thing. In CT, they have offered special programs designed to take a non-teacher in a needed subject area and offer a set of courses that fast-track (Note the train reference to keep in the spirit of the forum) people with degrees to help them transition into teaching... worth looking into.
and... no regrets - everyday's not perfect but it is often rewarding!
Ed
I taught Music and was head of the Percussion Dept at George Washington University in DC for 29 years. Retired 3 years ago. Professional Musician for 32 years in DC also, still play a few gigs.
Paul Edgar
I taught biology for 35 years and retired in 2005. Still coach baseball And look forward to spring time.
I am NOT an educator. However, I have been married to one for 38 years. And, my wife gave birth to one, our son. She has been a special education teacher for 38 years and our son has been a math and physics teacher going on 6 years this school year. Since I was not the ideal student in my day I cannot tell you how we managed to stay together for all these years. Especially if I do something wrong, she makes me do it over and over until I get it right.
Rick
Author Henry Brooks Adams, in his 1919 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, The Education of Henry Adams, wrote, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” I am not an educator, but my father-in-law retired as one many years ago and my wife is approaching the end of her teaching career. I cannot count the number of times I personally have witnessed former students approaching them in different venues, sincerely expressing thanks for the differences my father-in-law and wife made in their lives. Interestingly, both usually later confessed to me they did not remember the students, so these were not special circumstances. I would expect those priceless encounters easily outweigh any regrets and support Adams's "can never tell" statement.
I'm a retired NYS high school Biology teacher. 10 years out after 34 in the classroom. A great ride, but....being retired is even better.
-Roger
I retired after teaching 7 & 8 grade math for 21 years and upper level math and my self-defined curriculum computer classes for the next 14 years for a total of 35 years in the public school system. I also coached tennis(56-8 record) and started the city girls youth league soccer teams. After taking 1 year off, I worked for the Ohio Department of Education as a Technology Integration Consultant and teacher trainer. Still working with my 11 year-old live at home grandson.
Teaching students has kept me young and optimistic.
PaPaT
I design and fabricate instrumentation used in basic research at a local University. That includes the electronics, mechanics, and software to control those instruments. 30 years in medical research, Cardiology in particular. 14 years and counting in chemical research. Its never boring and I don't see myself retiring any time soon. When you enjoy what you are doing its not work. I have been fortunate.
Pete
retired educator with 35 and half years teaching high school social studies which included my favorite American History as well as European History and Criminal Justice. Besides that I served as a Full Time Athletic Director that also included 25 wonderful yrs as Head Baseball Coach and 15 yrs as a asst football. Retired now to play golf, play with trains and officiate High School football in South Carolina.
I am a just-retired high school Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics and sometimes Algebra I & II teacher. I've spent 28 years altogether, but retirement is much more fun!
Stoshu,
In my day, PHD meant, Piled High & Deeper......
Larry
I am the principal for the Quail Ridge Early Childhood Center in the Wentzville R-IV School District. I also teach the Basic Rider Course to beginning motorcycle riders for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Part-time adjunct Professor of Journalism, teaching "Writing for Public Relations" at local community college.
Started out as a high school physics teacher in the 70s. After 23 years in the telecommunications industry returned to teach in an MBA program of a small Catholic University.