A good teacher may be remembered for a lesson, a favorite saying or perhaps a well-placed complement. A great teacher is remembered for something much bigger: the people their students became.
In Part One, we looked back at a special teacher who helped shaped educator Dave Bates’ life. Part Two continues that journey, recognizing the educators whose influence extended well beyond the classroom and far beyond the school years.
The stories that follow, culled by Dave Bates, are reminders that leadership does not always begin in a boardroom. Sometimes it begins at a classroom door, with a teacher who demanded a little more, believed a little more, or simply took the time to notice a young person’s potential.
Years may erase forgotten test scores, but they rarely erase the memory of a teacher who made a difference. These are some of those teachers—and some of the students who never forgot them.
Dave Calvario, Waynesburg – It was the fall of 1978. My freshmen year of college. I was homesick, football was not going well, and my grades were in the pits. I did not know how to study or write. When I finished my first semester of college, I had a 1.4 GPA (2 Cs, and 3 Ds). I did not want to go back to school, but my parents insisted. Being a student-athlete, our academic advisor had me take two of my three D’s over in the spring of 1979. I had a history professor for two courses that spring who believed in me, taking me under his wing. Dr. Jack Williams taught me how to write a college paper, how to study in college, and that highlighting the entire book was senseless. That semester my grades improved significantly, and I never achieved lower than a 2.8 grade point average during the remainder of my undergraduate years. Dr. Williams set me on the path to success, and I will forever be indebted to him.
Sue Berkstresser, Jefferson – My father, Paul Yanak, deeply shaped my life and love for art. At Bethel Park High School, he balanced teaching classes with leading the district’s art department. He believed coloring books and paint-by-number limited imagination, steering students and his family away from true creativity. Instead, he handed me paint, drawing pencils, and a potter’s wheel, pushing me to build from scratch. Witnessing his dedication to his students and his craft taught me to value my own originality. He didn’t just teach me how to create art; he taught me to appreciate all forms of art, leaving a legacy that I carry with me always.
Mike Lubich, Dry Tavern – Dr. I. – I have had many teachers throughout my academic career that have spanned the spectrum from excellent to worthless. I have learned valuable lessons from both ends of that range. The excellent teachers provided me with role models to emulate and the worthless taught me how not to conduct a classroom. The individual at the top of the excellent category was Henry J. Idzkowsy, Ph.D. His background included contributing to the isolation and identification of vitamin C, and the discovery of embryonic cells known as germ cells today.
Dr. Idzkowsky walked with a demeanor of professionalism and intelligence and always in a three-piece suit. His motivational teaching was based upon three premises: 1. He knew his content; 2. He knew his content; and 3. He knew his content. That taught me if I was ever going to stand before a class and motivate students to learn bits of knowledge, I had better know my content. His lectures were intermixed with subtle humor and tangible asides of his research experience. Dr. I was down-to-earth, approachable, and above all very professional. He was a true role model in developing my approach to teaching.
Bill Simms, Rogersville – I was asked to come up with a few words about a teacher who has made a significant impact in my life. I have been blessed to have several teachers who would fall into that category. I feel I had great teachers all the way through my elementary, middle school, and high school years. Mr. Brian Jackson, Mr. Jim Romanus, Mrs. Jesse Meighen, and Mr. Dave Schrock stand out for me for significant reasons, but I could list several more.
Each one I listed had such a positive impact on me. Whether it be personally, athletically, or professionally, they all were fabulous mentors and role models. If asked to single one out, I would elevate Mr. Dave Schrock for challenging me to succeed in an area in which I had no real interest. Herr Schrock taught German and was considered quite a “tough” teacher.
When I took his class, it was REQUIRED for a nine-week rotation. I ended up taking him all four years of high school and was fluent in German at the time of my graduation. After I was hired at West Greene, Dave continued to visit my classroom to offer suggestions and compliments. I would try to carry on as much conversational German as I could remember (it is hard to recall a language you do not use regularly).
Our relationship extended to my oldest daughter, Kylie, who also studied German with him. She had a wonderful experience as well. He still refers to us by our “German-given” class names of Fritz and Claudia, sends her birthday wishes, and keeps in touch regularly. I have often stated that if I could be one-tenth the teacher he or Jim Romanus were, I would be alright. I hope these words might lift him to the pedestal he deserves.
