A Lifelong Commitment to Teaching: An Interview with George, Former Preschool Teacher

Meet George, a resident who shaped young minds as a preschool teacher. His story is one of service, dedication, and passion for making a different in the lives of children. George shares with us his journey from being a retired veteran to becoming an educator, his favorite, teaching moments, and how he continues to apply his teaching philosophy in his life today.

Q: What inspired you to become a preschool teacher?

A: After retiring from my military career, I found myself looking for a new mission. As a senior veteran, I had the opportunity to take college courses for free and soon realized that working with children was a calling I could not ignore. Having previously worked with kids through Boy Scouts, I knew the impact I could make by teaching young children. To make an impression on the next generation, I had to get them young. This desire to make a difference in the lives of young people led me to pursue a career in early childhood education.

Q: What was your first day of teaching life?

A: It was the first time I was around a bunch of “little people.” I let them direct to see what they were interested in before I dove into my own lessons. I would teach them more as we went along.

Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your teaching career that still makes you smile?

A: I have two moments. One was when I was teaching the children about gravity. I held up a pencil and I told them to watch it as I dropped it. I asked them, “Why didn’t it go up?” and told them it was because of a “mysterious force called gravity and without it, we’d all be walking on the ceiling.” One of the parents later called me and asked if I was the “gravity guy” because his son had knocked his milk over and immediately blamed it on gravity, thanks to me. The other moment was when I realized that little kids are always told they are too small. I decided that the problem wasn’t that they were too small, it was that I was too big! I then pretended to hit my head on the doorframe to reinforce this idea and they loved it. It made them feel like they were the “right size.”

Q: Are there any teaching philosophies or values you carried into other areas of your life?

A: I try to continue working with young children and employ the same philosophies and values I had in my classroom, one of which is making sure all children are included and feel a part of something.

Q: What do you miss most about being in the classroom?

A: I miss how every day was a new experience. All the students would bring stories into the classroom, as well as take some home. I also loved how you could tell they were progressing and learning more each day, and I learned where I could teach them more along the way.

Q: What do you think is the most important lesson young children should learn?

A: The most important lesson would be to be aware of others. Take other people’s feelings into consideration when you deal with other people. It’s important in life not to be self-centered but to care for others.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting their teaching career?

A: My preference has always been early childhood education. It feels the most rewarding, and you can see the change you’re making on little minds. Every day is a new experience with young children.

Q: If you could write a letter to your past students, what would you say?

A: I would be very interested in what they have done since they were my students and what they are doing now. I would love to know if any of the lessons I taught them are still at work.

Q: Do you see any similarities between the energy of your classroom and your community?

A: People at any age are always inquisitive and open to new ideas. There is always more to learn.

Q: Have you participated in any activities or programs here that remind you of your teaching days?

A: At my community, we celebrated Grandparents Day last year, which was a great day. I got to interact with many kids. I felt like I was back in the classroom. I even got to spend time with our Executive Director’s kids. I am also now a great-great-grandfather, so I enjoy when my family visits.

Final thoughts from George: “People tend to treat children as little adults. We’re not aware of how much of an impact we, older adults, have on them. We want to write the message for them and be there to support them.”

George’s journey from a retired veteran to a passionate educator has left a lasting impact on his students and continues to inspire those around him. His commitment to teaching and lifelong learning is a reminder that the lessons we impart, no matter our age, can shape future generations.