My Grade 5 teacher was Ted Baker and I really didn’t like him. I could not wait till I got to Grade 6 so I could be in a different class. However, it was in Grade 6 that I realized what a great teacher he was and how much he cared for us: how much he still does. Whenever I see him it is a treat and Teddy, you are a special person for what you are doing right now.

For Grade 9 English I had Jan Sewell and there is no doubt my sarcastic side was greatly influenced by this lady. I had a strong dislike for her, but fortunately by Grade 13, I was a great deal wiser and I realized she was one of the best teachers I ever had. It sometimes seemed Jan tried to keep some distance between her and her students, but it was simply an act as there was no hiding her deep sense of caring and commitment. She is simply a special lady.

Like most Grade 7 boys I had a major crush on another student. To this day she is a wonderful friend and I love the work we do together for Shelter House. Alexa McKinnon is an unstoppable force. She challenges the status quo while pushing her students to excellence with her limitless energy and her thirst for fun. The innovation she brings inspires many around her, and I have heard many students comment about how cool Bishop Gallagher School is, the same school we attended together so many years ago. I feel lucky to know her.

Now how do you assess a 43-year teaching career? It seemed principal Art Warwick was one of those who never wanted to retire. Each year was one more year, or one more reason not to leave Churchill High School. My belief is that Art could not fathom not being around “his kids.” Art was a major part of the International Baccalaureate program coming to the city and the program was very special to him. He decided to stay as principal to see that first group of I.B. students graduate, and when they did, Art stayed another six years: simply amazing. My small opinion of Art Warwik: he cared.

I am fortunate to be able to acknowledge a few of the people in our education system that had such a positive impact on my life. I simply couldn’t include everyone, like my aunt Barb VanHatten, Rick Strey, Helen Stephensen, John Schelling, Bill Venturini and countless others who I respect greatly. I think too often we take for granted the vital role they played in the development of our children. I include Julia MacDonald in that category, a teacher my sons were lucky to have.

People often comment how easy teachers have it and to be honest I have uttered those words at times. But that only minimizes the positive side of these individuals who make such a difference in so many lives. I have coached youth sports for many years and I know how special it is running into those “kids” from years past who now are parents themselves. I can only imagine how special it is when you have taught thousands. Like any profession, there are poor teachers who should not be there. However, like those other professions, the vast majority are caring, passionate people who love kids and who make a positive difference in so many lives.

Art Warwick gave me the privilege of speaking at Churchill for their academic achievement awards and he asked who I would like to have to introduce me. It could only be Jan Sewell and her words that night touched me in ways she will never know. There was no hiding the warmth this woman had for the kids in that school.

I told the audience that night that due to my lack of scholastic success, I had never realized that the words academic and achievement could be used in the same sentence. So instead I told them that if they accomplish one thing, they should try to make a positive difference in someone’s life. I told them to get involved, to go out and change the world one person at a time.

I am sure there are countless teachers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. I just wanted to acknowledge some of those who have made a difference in mine. Bon voyage, Art.

Just a thought.