Teacher Feature

(A group of Charlotte Central School students have revived the school newspaper and are periodically sending their stories to The Charlotte News. Maddie Kolb and her teacher David Baird sent in this story, a part of their newspaper’s “Teacher Feature” section.)

Fifth-grade teachers Brian Loughlin and Dave Baird are often described as “great teachers.”

What were their teaching experiences and motivation to be great teachers?

Dave Baird, who didn’t have great teachers growing up, didn’t want any kid to have the experience that he had. He decided to be a teacher so that he could ensure that the kids in his class would have a great experience, loving learning all the while. 

Brian Loughlin also wants his students to love learning and have fun. He said that his biggest motivation to teach was wanting to be a helping hand for kids that struggled. 

His funniest moment teaching was when it was his first day at a new school, and the superintendent came into the room to find that Loughlin had spelled the word “which” wrong on the whiteboard. 

Baird’s funniest moment, on the other hand, was when he was interviewed for the school newspaper about the history of the Charlotte Central School field day. He made up a total fib, thinking that the student wouldn’t fall for the tall tale, but in the end, it was actually published.

Here is an excerpt from the published article: “Field day all started in 1873 at the direct request of principal Ebineezer Johnson. The first field day consisted of shovels and dirt, and believe it or not, all the kids shoveled dirt for fun. In later years, super fun activities like rolling a hoop with a stick and kicking a tin can were added.”

Both these teachers have had their share of funny, and Baird’s favorite part of the job is having a laugh with his students. Louglin’s favorite part of his job is helping his students achieve things that they didn’t think they could.

There are many amazing teachers at Charlotte Central School, and these are just two. Who is or was the great teacher in your life?