In 1961, when my father began teaching high school English, John F. Kennedy was president, the average yearly income was $5,000 and the Green Bay Packers were the NFL champions. Now, 50 years later, the world has completely changed. Well, almost. It’s 2011 and the Packers are still winning, but more amazing to me is the fact that my dad, Alan Zacker, is still teaching. I spoke to him recently about his longevity as a teacher and how things have changed since he first started.
Why did you become a teacher?
Teaching was a calling for me. It was something I had a natural aptitude for. I started right after earning my undergraduate degree in 1961 and then earned my graduate degree while teaching.
Did graduate school help you become a better teacher or did you learn most of it on the job?
When I was in graduate school most of the things I was taught, I was already doing in the classroom. I think today’s grad students learn differently and are much better prepared.
How was school different when you were first teaching?
There was more of a relationship between students and teachers then. Kids told me everything that was going on in their lives. I don’t know if they did that with every teacher, but with me they did. Today it’s more stand-offish. I’m not saying there aren’t some great teachers who do this today, but it was more common back then. Today there’s less trust. I think it’s a shame because there’s such a terrible need for this. There are so many broken families due to things like divorce, etc. and teachers should be aware if their kids are going through a tough time at home. That way you know if they act out, it’s not necessarily because of your teaching style.
How would you define your teaching style?
I’ve always taken a humanistic approach. People used to ask me what I teach and I’d say, “Life, with a minor in English.” I tried to apply anything we read to life lessons rather than beating them over the head with themes and analysis. You got a lot of feedback that way. Treat them like people, not just like they’re the children and I’m the adult. It’s a relationship. I always tell my students, “I’m here for you. I’m your champion.” Kids respond to that.
Does that style still work with today’s students?
It’s much more difficult today. It’s not totally education’s fault. I think the breakup of the family is a big part of the problem. Families don’t do stuff together anymore; everyone is too busy to even have dinner together. Kids also have far less respect for any kind of authority today so it’s tough for teachers. I’ve had kids misbehave just for the attention. Then once I reprimand them, they’re my best friend. It’s how they get noticed.
Even though these days you’re a substitute teacher, your Rate My Teacher ratings continue to be sky high. Why do your students love you so much?
Because I love them. I’ve never presented myself as someone above them. I tell them, “A lot of you are smarter than me. The only thing I have is more experience. That’s all you have to do and you can accomplish whatever you want.” I don’t consider myself a great teacher, but I am a motivator. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. You can’t fight what their parents haven’t instilled in them.
Do you know any seasoned teachers? I’d love to hear about them. Part 2 of the interview with my Dad next week.
I can only wish that Alan had been one of my teachers. He did not mention that he had been named “Teacher of the Year” at one of the award events which I attended. Having shared his friendship for many years, I would imagine that his students are very fortunate to find that he cares about them…the same quality I find in him as a friend. Listening is another of his skills which so many of us often forget to do. So, Alan, keep listening and keep caring…you are a teacher for life.
We need more teachers like your Dad. I could have been a very different student with a teacher like him in the room. Teachers like him make motivation an art form. Keep up the great work.
There are so many good teachers, it’s great to meet one of them here. My kids are in 3rd and 5th grades now and we have been very happy with every teacher so far. I read somewhere that most people are worried about public education in general but happy about their own kids education. Umm… Do the math! If most of us are happy with our own kids education then most of us should be happy with education in general! Not saying that there are not some problems out there, but there are lots of GREAT teachers too.
Cory, This is a great article, and one I’m sending to my daughter in law to consider as she prepares to find a school for my grand daughter.
I think the thing he said that resonated with me the most is that we seem to have lost trust with our children. I’ve never heard it said quite like this before, and it seems quite sad to me.
The point I want my daughter in law to take away is that teachers can only work with what has been instilled at home by parents and of course us, the grand parents etc. I know my step son and daughter in law are terrific parents. I just want to keep reminding all of us of the necessity of instilling important virtues and thoughts in our children each and every day!
Cory – how inspirational! I wish my daughters’ teachers were as committed. As you and I know from our tutoring businesses, it is so difficult to find someone who is deeply passionate about education and connecting with kids. I love his answer to your question about his teaching style, something I always ask a tutor when I interview them – “humanistic” – great answer. Cant’ wait to read part two and I’m going to post this on the Home Tutoring Business FB page.
Thanks, Laurie! Wish my Dad lived closer so I could hire him!
Wow- your dad reminds me so much of my husband as a teacher with the same type of connections to the kids. For my husband, he teaches in a school which is the last chance before kids go to juvie, so I do not think any of his students are “typical” in the traditional sense of that word (with 2 parents and a home life). Most are in gangs, have or are currently using, may be pregnant, and many can not read (although this is a high school). For some of these kids, my hubby is the first person who actually listens to them and treats them with respect which he expects back from them. Unfortunately, respect is not a word these kids are very familiar with. He also was teacher of the year a few years ago (and I never even knew about it until someone else mentioned it months later…).
Where does your dad teach?
Candace Davenport
http://www.ourlittlebooks.com ~ Little Books with a Big Message
How wonderful to hear of someone who has stayed with teaching over 5 decades. To still care about kids in the way your dad obviously does and to have avoided becoming bitter or cynical means he really is gifted in relating to young people.
My 93-year-old cousin (actually a first cousin of my aunt, who was also elderly) did substitute teaching until about 3 years ago. He loved going to the schools and talking to the students–he found so much of life interesting, and he loved history, so he was never bored. Even when he needed oxygen he begged his doctor for permission to keep teaching! I am so impressed when people love what they do enough to keep doing it even when the physical demands are more difficult.
Your dad’s students are very lucky.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
Beautiful tribute to a clearly amazing teacher. I think I am most moved by his love and his respect for his students. I appreciate his willingness to see them without a constant reminder of power difference at the same time he clearly holds boundaries to keep them safe and visible.
In college, I had to take a history class. I didn’t like history or civics. But this teacher told us stories about the history people that made us laugh, stories of the competition between Disraeli and Gladstone as they traded off the Prime Minister position in England. I remember them to this day. He made history come alive. And my father-in-law was a doctor of European history and the head of the History department at University of Pennsylvania in Philly. Amazing man who wrote a history of France in French and was given an award by de Gaulle, the first for an American!
Julieanne Case
Always from the heart!
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Your Dad truly is inspirational. My husband is a wonderful teacher. How do I know that? I read the cards he gets from them at the end of each and every semester. As a math teacher, he is often told that he is the first teacher they have had that could explain math and how they hated it before they took his class. The more perceptive students will comment on how much he loves math and I can attest to the fact he does! He just officially retired but luckily for him and his students, he is still teaching a reduced load.
Susan Berland
A Picture’s Worth
http://susan-berland.com
Sadly, our world has changed significantly since the 60′s, seriously impacting the family. I appreciated your Dad’s comments about the family and the need for teachers to connect with their students. Children learn first hand how to connect, cope, and show respect for others by the way they are treated in their own family. If their early interpersonal experiences are deficient, it may affect their readiness for school and future opportunities. It seems to me that today’s teachers are expected to be miracle workers, to makeup for parents’ lack of skills and commitment to their own children. In any case, it is always to a child’s advantage to have a teacher who models thoughtfulness, sincere interest in others, and who knows how to motivate in a positive, respectful manner. Well done, Sir!
Maureena Bivins, PhD
Acupuncture & Somatic Therapy
http://maureenabivinsphd.com
Curious. Committed. Compassionate.
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Oh Yes. I definitely remember my favorite teacher. Your Dad sounds very much like him.
His dedication to his students and his thorough enjoyment of teaching is so evident! I am sure that this comes through in so many ways in his interactions with his students. His insights into teaching, the students and how things have changed over the years are so clear and enlightening.
Jennifer Peek
http://www.FindYourNewGroove.com
The Freedom to Build Your Business Your Way
Thanks for this wonderful interview, Cory. WOW, 50 years! I burned out after just three. Probably would have lasted longer if I’d shared some of your dad’s experiences and learned some of his perspective. His observations are a great testament to the idea that there’s no such thing as a “teacher-proof” curriculum.
Great interview with a great man. And what is his secret? Love. Imagine what a different world it would be if every teacher started with this.
Wow…that is a long and dedicated teaching career! I loved hearing your Dad’s stories, thoughts and comments – what fun to interview your parent! One thing that stuck with me from the beginning was the difference in annual income – wow…seriously…wow!
Brandy
What a dedicated man your father is. I was a little girl when your father was teaching. Did you say $5,000 annual income? Wow, that is amazing! Great stories!!! Teachers are so impact a young person’s life. I had one that scared me to death and I had one later in life that empowered me to life! Teachers matter! Thanks for the post!