DICK WASHBURN `69
BARB SARWAR `56
Retired Teacher and Coach
Retired Educator
The most fulfilling aspect of teaching is witnessing that moment
In my career as an educator, I was able to bring special
when the light comes on in that special student. From day one
education students into the mainstream, place programs and
of my teaching career, and because I was the “new guy,” I was
teachers at every school in the district, and include students
assigned the non-achievers. Those are the kids I loved and the
in all appropriate school activities. I developed programs for
ones other teachers failed or did not want in class. They were
all levels of students, including gifted students, and grew the
my challenge, and I theirs. I am indeed proud to say that some
program from four general classes to a multitude of classes with
discovered they could amount to something after being told
85 professionals working with 850 students. The first time my
repeatedly they would not. Not all, but most are successful in
students processed at the high school graduation with all of the
their chosen careers and even a few are highly successful in the
other graduates and walked across the stage to receive a diploma
field of medicine…
was the highlight of my career.
ERIK BRANDT `91
LESLEY BRILL `61
English Teacher, Harding Senior High School, St. Paul, MN
Retired English Professor, Wayne State University
Without a doubt, I would be a much less effective teacher if I
I retired this May from Wayne State University, where I was
hadn’t had a Wayland education. I am forever in the debt of the
a Professor of English and Film Studies and former Chair of
master teachers with whom I got to study at Wayland – most
the English Department there, as well as at the University
notably Jeff Wilhelm, Dave Kasper H`81, Mitch Disch H`93, and
of Colorado, Boulder previously. I found working with many
many, many more.
intelligent, amiable students over the years the most fulfilling
Without a doubt the most fulfilling aspect of my career is the “ah-ha!” moment when something “clicks” for a student. This
aspect of my career, and I especially enjoyed the acceptance of my book on Alfred Hitchcock by Princeton University Press.
could be a personal revelation, a sudden epiphany or a moment where someone makes a life-changing decision. Teachers are
COLIN STETSON `56
rarely present when these moments happen, but when they do
Master Instructor Emeritus, Culver Academies, Culver, IN
– they are magical. The greatest achievement at this point is being selected to be a Fulbright Exchange Teacher to Budapest, Hungary. Wow! An absolutely life-changing experience!
The most fulfilling aspect of my career rests in my desire to serve young people in the development of their characters as outstanding leaders and contributors to society. Since I have been a professional singer as an adjunct to my coaching career, it
DONALD DOWNS `67
has also been rewarding to introduce many youngsters to the joy
Professor of Political Science, Law, and Journalism,
and satisfaction of musical theater, opera, and ballet.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The most important achievement of my career, amongst
It is hard to say what the most fulfilling part of my academic
many, is being awarded the “Moncrief Chair of Teaching,” and
career has been because the University of Wisconsin has provided
recipient of the “Kazar Scholar Award,” given in recognition of
so many avenues to pursue, and which interact with each other.
that specific year’s most outstanding teaching... unheard of in
These include teaching, research and writing, service inside and
a predominantly academic institution. Also, I was inducted into
outside the University, and speaking and media. But if I had to
the Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame; the Indiana Tennis Coaches
single one aspect out, it would be the opportunity to teach and
Hall of Fame; and the Culver Academies Athletic Hall of Fame.
work with students who aspire to learn and make something of themselves. Teaching has involved not only conveying knowledge but also interacting with students in a Socratic way that entails intellectual engagement. I apply this approach in both large lecture classes and small seminars. Again, there have been a lot of favorite moments in the different areas. Being asked to speak at graduation in December 2013 is right up there because it represented recognition of respect by the students.
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SAMSON O. SACKETT `85 Social Studies Instructor, La Follette High School, Madison, WI The most fulfilling aspect of my teaching career has been working with economically disadvantaged middle and high school students and seeing them go on to be successful in college and their careers. These students will often get back in touch with me years later to tell me about what they are up to, and to share some funny or touching memory about the eighth grade or
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