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Smoke Signals: Student becomes teacher -- with a little help from his friends

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February 3, 2010

by Tim Troglen, reporter

I stepped out of my comfort zone Jan. 27 -- something that I hate to do.

But that was the day I committed to teach my first of two Writing for Journalism classes for Hudson Community Education and Recreation.

I felt I was prepared. I had handouts, examples, exercises and a four-page syllabus -- I even learned the correct spelling of that word. I had pooled information from my bosses, teachers, friends, former college professors and a few journalism textbook sources.

Now, when I say I was prepared, it was academically. I wasn't prepared for the pterodactyl-sized butterflies which began nesting in my stomach cavity. I had been sick on and off for a few days prior and the doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis. The dose of uber nerves setting in was not helping.

But I sucked it up in true journalistic style, filled my briefcase with items for teaching, and headed out for my 7 p.m. class.

The nerves got worse.

As I sat in the empty classroom, I glanced at the wall clock -- 6:45 p.m. And I was the only one there.

I watched other students for other classes walk by, but not for mine. I started imagining I was in the wrong class.

"How am I going to explain this?" I started wondering.

But then, at 6:50 p.m., a face peeked inside the door and I asked if she was here for the news class. My first student had arrived.

Sirwoo Kim, 13, took her place and was soon joined by Devyn Giannetti and Kevin Smith, both 14.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

After a few minutes, my prehistoric butterflies turned to gnats. These kids were great. Not only were they attentive and respectful, but they wanted to learn. I was both happy and impressed.

Their questions on what I do and how I do it, plus their grasp of what I was trying to teach them was refreshing.

They learned what I wanted to teach them, interacted during the appropriate times, smiled at my faux pauses and laughed at my jokes -- they made me feel right at home. At one point, a parent sat in on the class and took an active part. It was a good night and a good class.

I was pretty excited because I had put a lot of work into the lesson plan. So, I thought for my next class I would just print out additional copies, go over the same lesson plan and it would work out fine.

That is until the parent told me that the Feb. 10 class is part two. Uh oh. So much for rehashing my lesson plan.

But that's OK. I'll dig up some stuff for the students, find some more exercises and keep their minds active. Who knows? Maybe one of the students will venture into journalism one day and be called upon to teach a class.

If the parents of the three students are reading this, you should be proud of your students. I know I am.

Thank you Grant Aungst and HCER for asking me to do this, and thank you students, who made my venture from my comfort zone a bit more relaxing. Are you ready to do it again?

Great. Me, too.

And speaking of that, it's time to start formulating another lesson plan.

For those who looked over my syllabus, suggested exercises and gave me great advice -- thank you.

And while I may only be a "weekend warrior" instructor now, I can say with all my heart I have a new found respect for you "real" teachers out there who do this every day -- and not always with great students.

But let me say this, after getting a small taste of your world, I kind of like it.

Thanks for letting me share it.

E-mail: ttroglen@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3146




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