The Commitments of a Teacher

Jeff Demaree has something important to say about life and teaching

Many of you have perhaps read this. Jeff posted it in Facebook. But for those of you who haven’t, it is as much, I think, a posting from the battlefield as any communication from the mountains of Afghanistan. And it is life affirming. We do not always need to focus on the difficulties we face. There is joy in the warrior’s path. And for each of us a reminder that life is “not over, until it is over.” (I think from the wisdom of Yogi Berra.)

So I’ve passed the penultimate obstacle to becoming a school principal in Ohio, the state licensure exam.

That would never be true if it wasn’t for you.

For better or worse, I’ve decided to live my life quite openly. Many of you have been along for the wild ride that was playing saxophone in a funk band, or my adventures in England before that, or for much longer. Some of you are new. But I took a conscious calculated risk to share my story with each of you.

Five years ago, when I decided to try substitute teaching, I posted that decision here. I wasn’t seeking your approval; it is my life and I’ll live it how I best see fit thank you. But the overwhelming support and encouragement of the idea gave me a wellspring of confidence. And that was most welcomed and appreciated. Frankly, when the going got tough, despite my bravado, your vocal support was absolutely needed.

Then my students encouraged their favorite sub to get his license and become a real teacher. Your response to that decision was AMAZING. My friends who know me best, the only people on the planet whose opinion I even remotely care about, wholeheartedly cheered the decision.

The idea to become a school principal was in the back of my mind when I applied to be a substitute, but didn’t really take form until I was in my own classroom. I saw what the administrators in our building did, and knew it perfectly combined my experience as a social worker, MBA, and entrepreneur. The fact that the kids look at me like a funk saxophonist gives me a huge head start forming relationships with them. Combined with now 5 years of teaching experience, it’s a perfect fit for my unconventional curriculum vitae.

And yes, my friends once again gave me the confidence and positivity to not only apply to the educational leadership graduate program at Xavier University, but to see it through to completion. My decision to share my journey publicly is wholly vindicated. Your support is truly invaluable.

Somehow I also managed to complete the nightmare RESA video assignment last year (while sick with Covid), which means that this is the last year on my alternate educator license. At the end of this school year, I can apply for the 5 year professional teaching license that I intend to renew the rest of my life.

If or when administration becomes too stressful and full-on as I age, the transition back into the classroom should be easy enough. But I have zero intention of completely retiring ever. The two times I tried it previously were totally overrated and I quickly grew bored. I'm happier teaching.

And can’t wait to see what happens in this adventure next. Thanks for being there with me.

“At some point you have to recognize that there is a limit to the time assigned to you, and if you don’t use it to free yourself it will be gone and will never return.” - Marcus Aurelius

“The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” – Jack London

“Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?” – Chicago