Focus on TUSD - November 2007

Gallagher Gains Ground
Instructors Honored at Arizona Educational Event in Phoenix
Chuck Gallagher, a Santa Rita High School construction and drafting teacher who helps his students build homes for Habitat for Humanity, was named an Ambassador of Excellence on Nov. 8. He and four other teachers were finalists for the Arizona Teacher of the Year, which the Arizona Educational Foundation presents in collaboration with The Arizona Republic and Intel Corp.

Flagstaff second- and third-grade teacher Robert Kelty was named the 2008 Teacher of Year.

Gallagher received $5,000 and a laptop computer.

Sue Butler, who teaches English, creative writing and drama at Howenstine Magnet High School, was among the 10 semifinalists for the award. She received $1,000.

Gallagher submitted this observation of his teaching career and of education for the program that was distributed at the awards luncheon.

"Many teachers have a 'light bulb' moment in their lives when they suddenly decide, 'I'm going to be a teacher.' For me, it was more like a dimmer switch being slowly turned up. I didn't start my professional career with the intention of becoming a teacher, but after nearly a decade in the construction industry, I saw the potential in young minds to change the world, and I felt called to become part of that process. I found myself looking back to the teachers that influenced me as a student, and this reflection led down the path of my destiny.

"When teachers really love what they are doing, students share their enthusiasm. Showing students the relevance of their lessons in the classroom gives them an idea of the kind of real world they will face after graduation. There are no better examples of this than in Career and Technical Education, where every lesson is directly linked to the world of work. When classrooms are run like businesses, students learn the work habits, skills and ethics that will be expected of them by their future employers.

"There is a nationwide teacher shortage -- and there is a real shortage of good teachers. Many good teachers are leaving the profession because of the lack of support they receive when trying to make changes and promote higher standards. When teachers dress professionally, are punctual, arrive prepared, and keep students engaged the whole class period, they are modeling good habits and behaviors for their students. It is our job to prepare our students for the future. When we allow the standards to be lowered in the name of convenience, we lose integrity as professionals. Our students deserve better."

One of Gallagher's former students stated this in the program, "With all that Mr. Gallagher does for the school and other organizations around the country, he is always busy, yet he always finds time for his students when they need his help. If I were still in high school, I would take Mr. Gallagher's class again in a heartbeat. Not only does Mr. Gallagher teach his students carpentry or drafting, he teaches pride in your work, loyalty, respect and other important life lessons. I can honestly say that all of those who take the time to talk to Mr. Gallagher will leave better off than when they come in."

Butler wrote this reflection of her educational career:

"I serve my school and my students. I care about them, listen to them, and respect them immensely. They are brilliant. They know so much about technology, mechanics and mathematics. They have stories of pain and adventure, a mythology all their own.

"But I am not just a spectator in my classroom. It is my job to set the tone. I am adamant that my students show respect to each other, and I model kindness, gentle humor and vulnerability to create an environment that breeds trust. We learn in an atmosphere of service to one another and to the larger word outside the classroom door, rising to the occasion to be the best we can be in every endeavor."

-- By Sharon Dunham
Communications & Media Relations

TUSD - Proud Supporter of Small Classes

Photos in the November issue by Jes Ruvalcaba of Communications & Media Relations, unless otherwise noted.

The deadline to submit material for the December Focus is Friday, Nov. 7. The Focus will be published Monday, Nov. 17. Email submissions to Chyrl Hill Lander or Sharon Dunham in the Communications & Media Relations Department or use the online Tip Sheet.