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"A Family Tradition for 130 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, June 1, 1996 - 5 A lifetime of learning for teacher It's all | ever wanted to do,' says vet of Scugog schools By Jeff Mitchell Port Perry Star For others, it might sim- ply have been a career; for Glenn Taylor, it's been a lifetime of learning. When the final bell rings at Prince Albert Public School to signal summer vacation later this month, Mr. Taylor will officially retire, mark- ing the end of a 35-year ca- reer in elementary schools here. A native of Bobcaygeon, he has spent his entire classroom career in Scu- gog, first at R.H. Cornish, and then at Prince Albert. He has taught a variety tic," he said. It's a wonder- ful age." In fact, it was a Grade 6 teacher named Mr. Ed- wards who inspired Mr. Taylor to pursue a teach- ing career. "He was a wonderful man," Mr. Taylor recalled. "He was highly motivated. He brought out the best in you." With Mr. Edwards as a role model, Mr. Taylor be- gan his career as an ele- mentary school teacher. He admits now that he may have been naive and idealistic at first, but con- tends he quickly found a teaching style that al- of grades between 4 and 8, "lowed him to relate well to and said during an inter- view last week that his fa- vorite level has to be his current assignment, Grades 5 and 6. "They're still enthusias- the kids, and help them along on the voyage of ear- ly learning. "Your first few years are demanding, but you devel- op a pattern, a teaching @he Doct Levey Slay a good newspaper that just keeps getting better... There really is a difference routine," he said. "In some ways you al- most have to look through the eyes of a child to teach. I'think you do." A lot has changed from 1961 until now, of course. Methods change, curricu- lum changes are made, and the influences on the lives of the kids sitting in the classroom broaden, particularly with the ex- plosion of electronic me- dia. That makes for kids who are more aware of the world around them, and who have opinions on so- cial issues. But the job remains the same, said Mr. Taylor: "You know, the fundamen- tals are still there," he said. "Your basics always have to be taught." And through the years, he has stuck to a simple principle, so basic it is summed up in a brief acro- nym: ASK. That stands from Atti- tude, Skills, and Knowl- edge, and Mr. Taylor con- tends they are the foundation upon which an education must be built. A kid must be comfortable, relaxed and confident, and have trust in a teacher. He must be willing to accept tne message. And the teacher has to create that atmosphere, and be recep- tive to feedback from stu- dents. "Learning is a two-way street,"said Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor recognizes that he may be among the last generation of educators to make a life-time career out of teaching. Job securi- ty, once a given with teaching, is a thing of the past as budgets shrink and programs are cut back. "I think-I was lucky to have taught in the era I taught," he said. "It's all I ever wanted to do." Beginning this summer, Mr. Taylor will have plen- ty of time to do what he wants. That includes tu- toring kids who are having difficulty, pursuing his musical interests, and travel. He insists that when au- tumn rolls around and the school bell begins to ring again, he won't be pining for the halls of Prince Al- bert. "I have all kinds of things I want to do," he said. : "My time will be filled up. Government ROBERT J. GOW NT PRE 1-800-267-1522 RICHARDSON GREENSHIELDS Investment advisors to Canadian enterprise and enterprising Canadians 111 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa, Ont. L1G 454 6.9% 5 Year Guaranteed 434-7156 or Port Perry 985-0800 Uxbridge 852-3510 gtonenogr Q, + Q ¢ Yar, genet? Non-profit organization , Stonemoor Day Care We NOW have openings 7, Ls : ef AES 2 . % 135 NORTH PORT ROAD POOL AND SPA SUPPLIES PAPER SUPPLIES CLEANING PRODUCTS - PHONE: 985-9746 FAX: 985-9747 - 1-800-403-2858 Glenn Taylor has many fond memories of his 35-year teaching career. He leaves his post at Prince Albert Public School at the end of the school year. EEN LISHMANS For that special someone on Father's Day! We pay the tax on all Operation Migration Jackets, T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Books, Videos A GALLERY OF FUNCTIONAL ART 158 Queen St., Port Perry 985-0574 (REG. RD. 8) REACH RD. RT BLANCHARDS NORTHPO SIMCOE ST. HWY. 7A