Some of you know that I teach High school metal shop, and those of you who are the closest to me know that I have been thinking about hanging it up and heading off for greener pastures. In fact to that end I've even had several interviews this past week. (but I digress) Then... This evening one of my former students calls to tell me that he put the custom bicycle he built in my high school shop class on Craigslist. And after 12 hours he had 2 offers to buy it! Now in addition to becoming a better welder, machinist, and fabricator, my former student has become an entrepreneur. Ive never been more proud. Here's a link to his Craigslist page.. http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/175874424.html Sawzall
Jeff...I've been envious of your job as a teacher. I wish I would have taken the time to go to school and do what you do. I'm sure there are kids that fustrate you but the ones you do reach have to be rewarding! Clark
Feels good to make a difference doesn't it. I hope you stay in teaching we need all the good ones we can get.
That bike is realy cool. I can tell you are a very good teacher. My kids were the same way but I finally did hang it up ( high school metal shop, wood shop and drafting) after 37 years of scrounging for $$$ and materials in order to buy supplies for the kids to make neat projects. Tech lab is replacing industrial hands on shop programs all across the USA, so plan ahead and make sure you see the freight train coming. I was born in Lebanon, PA in 1943.
You should see how proud my son is of that piece he made in YOUR SHOP on the english wheel. Not to mention how you taught me how to break hammers... you're a good man Jeff. My son thinks your cool... Spike
sometimes the pasture is not greener on the other side, sounds to me you will stay...... good luck and I hope there is more teacher like you out there.
please dont stop teaching.. we need teachers.....maybe do something on the side but keep teaching... MHO
More that needing teachers, we need teachers that can inspire. The inspiration and empowerment that kid obviously got from you is priceless and will doubtless be one of the most important things he posesses for the rest of his life. Thanks for doing the most important job in the World.
Jeff, your cool as hell. You actually had me thinking about going into the teaching field, i still dont know though. I have much to learn myself. Hopefully I see you around this summer.
Teaching is a tough job but it sounds like your students have been inspired by you and that is a good thing. Good luck in what ever you decide is best for you. We hope we are remembered for what we do with our life what better way then inspiring kids especially in today's world.
I know the feeling Jeff. It's one of the best in the world. Having been out for over a year, I'm actually concidering taking up teaching again. Always figured I'd find my way back some day, but I didnt think I'd be concidering it so soon. It's probably just because it's summer, and I'm not on vacation...
The only thing I ever learned from you was to not park your camper next to a set of train tracks. Everything else just kinda went in one ear and out the other. Listening to you is sort of like listening to my mother, now that I really think about it.
Just think, if teachers were paid what they are worth what a cool job it would be. I don't understand, we give our kids to teachers during the most formative years of their lives to instill in them skills and values and expect them to live on unskilled wages as a reward. Frank
I agree. I went to school to teach high school art. I did my student teaching and realized that I was never going to make any money. So I quit school and went into sales. I've probably made more money over the years but never had any fulfillment on the job. I bet I could have made the same money teaching and then doing something else in the summer. Then at least I would have felt like I was making a difference. Anybody need Cessna parts? Anyway, I say good job. Fewer people in this country know which end of a hammer to use each day. Well done sir!
Well done. It must be a great feeling. It is that 1 cool teacher that actually connects with their students that will save a few lives from the many pitfalls our youth are faced with. I count my lucky stars for some of the teachers I had, even though at the time I hated them I now see exactly what they were doing, and I wish I could see more like them.
Looks like he has an assembly line going. Way to mentor, must be satisfying to know that you made a difference in someones life. Way to go teach!!!
Keep your day job man. I got my teaching degree and went the other way. I should have stayed with what I love. Teaching and cars. The grass is always greener on the other side....and just as hard to cut. Rod
Cool, Jeff. I was drooling over your 'class project' minibike at the Showdown. The kids are lucky to have you around to show them the way.
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