June may seem far away, but it is closer than it seems and that means saying some tough goodbyes to many of our beloved teachers. Smith and Regis are two names that have been tossed around the halls and classrooms of Triton for decades. These are two of our most experienced teachers have learned the ins and outs of teaching at a public high school. With new teachers soon to fill their places, Mr. Brad Smith and Mr. David Regis shared their insight on tips and tricks about teaching.
“Be ready for anything,” said Regis.
September 1977, marked the start of Regis’ teaching career. Unlike most newbies, the first day was “no big deal” because he had previous experience as a substitute, a football coach, and a part time PE teacher. For many other newbie teachers the first day is exactly the opposite. It is a stressful day that is filled with anxiety.
A new teacher, Mr. Reeves said that for him the toughest part of teaching was “developing a rapport”. As experienced teachers, both Regis and Smith had trouble remembering the specifics of their first days.
Regis said that he didn’t have much of a struggle as a teacher. Kids listened to him.
“As a structure and discipline guy, I never faced those problems,” said Regis. He later explained that he wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. As an “intimidating” teacher he found that often it was difficult to connect with some students.
Smith had a little bit of a different response. “As time went on I began to find things that worked and things that did not” said Smith.
Smith said that making connections was never a problem for him but it was figuring out what way and style of teaching worked the best for him and his students.
Both veterans explained that the toughest part of teaching was the time commitment. Smith and Regis said “it is not only 7:42 to 2:13, but teaching extends much further than just the regular school day”.
In addition to this, Smith said that “teaching has been a real sacrifice that his family has had to make”.
This sacrifice was missing him occasionally at dinners or if he was gone for 14 hours at a time or more because of the school day and then in the fall a soccer game.
Ivan Ferron, a marine biology teacher here at Trition said “Mr. Smith is one of my closest friends, and he helped me a lot when I had first started because I was right across the hall in Mr. Gette’s room. He is always ‘Johnny on the spot’”.
Both Regis and Smith have impacted the Triton staff in a positive way by always being around to answer a quick question or give advice.
Ferron said, “the best advice I can give to a new teacher is that they should get to know the people in their department,and the teachers on a personal level. Having friends who are willing to give advice or bounce ideas off of is one of the most helpful and valuable things as a new teacher”.
Ferron said, “no one’s a star teacher in one year”. Teaching is a skill, and just like anything, it takes time and practice to become good at it.
It was apparent that they were much more than just teachers. They will be missed greatly. Regis will be remembered for his goofy presentation noises, his extreme packets, and his warm heart. Smith will be remembered for his organization, his ability to motivate any group of kids and soccer players, and his lengthy layered curriculum assignments.
-Rachel Lees and Aliyah Frasca
Staff Writers