To the Mr. E’s of the World
Dr. Chad Higgins, Executive Director
Gratitude is such a strange and powerful concept; that by merely expressing kindness and appreciation toward another, the act of gratitude happens to also produce so much personal satisfaction. A person can “accidentally” make themself feel good by intentionally making someone else feel valued. Considering how blessed my life has been and what a joy it brings me, I don’t dole out gratitude nearly often enough. I’m sure I’m not alone. However, when the opportunity came for me to participate in the celebration of one of the greatest teachers I have ever known, as a Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame inductee, I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.
Mr. Demetre Evangelidis was my high school chemistry and physics teacher (just a few years ago) and his influence on my career and life are impossible to overstate. For those who don’t know, I was a high school chemistry and physics teacher before deciding that was not the right spot for me in education.
Like many, I am fortunate to have had a constant stream of individuals come into my life who I’ve learned from and have been inspired by. It’s also not an exaggeration to say that while I’ve always been surrounded by them, I didn’t always realize it. When it came time to complete the final details of my dissertation, I was asked to compose an “acknowledgements” declaration. This activity forced me to reflect deeply on those few individuals who had the greatest impact on my life and deserved some credit for my success. It was difficult but very rewarding, and I encourage everyone to do this at least annually. The short list included those who not only had a positive influence on my life but people who changed me and my path, for the much better.
I had terrific parents, dozens of great teachers and coaches, and professional colleagues who have and continue to teach and inspire me. Mr. E was one of those special few who changed my life. He was everything all in one; brilliant and kind and tough, whatever was needed at the time, and I mostly needed the latter. His saint-like patience and understanding, his pure genuineness was something I aspired to emulate, even when I was an arrogant, spoiled teenager. Outside of my home, he was my first role model in acceptance; he treated every kid, regardless of their background or ability, as if they were his own.
I wasn’t a great teacher like Mr. E, maybe not even a good teacher, but because of him, I wanted to always be a positive influence on young people, regardless of my role. I was reminded of that while visiting with him at the ceremony and hearing stories of his influence on so many other kids, like me. Legend has it that at one point, there were eight of his students in medical school at the same time, all from the same 2A high school.
I say these things as an extension of my gratitude for Mr. E but also for so many others who were a blessing to me and helped me become who I am today. Even more, to share my appreciation for those educators who helped us shape our own wonderful kids, and to the amazing educators across our state who change lives every day.
Education is not the business to get into for the money, and it used to be enough to “light a fire” or “fill a bucket” but unfortunately, it is too easy for current educators to get caught up in the criticism, email overload, late night parent text messages, social media “forums,” and obstinate legislators. Teachers sometimes forget what a life-changing influence they can have on kids, especially throughout a whole career.
For our students and our communities, we must create a more supportive environment for teachers so that they can thrive and do their best work while also celebrating the profession and again recognizing it as the foundation of a much stronger society. There are many ways to support teachers and the education profession. Here are a few ideas:
Send a note of gratitude to your local school, the school where your kids or grandkids attend, or where a family member is working.
Contact a local school and learn about ways to volunteer in a classroom or school activity.
Donate time, talent, or treasure to your local school.
Advocate for policies and politicians that support teachers and learn how to critically separate the negative propaganda that has become so harmful to the work of our educators.
Be a positive role model for your children.
To all the Mr. E’s and aspiring life-changers across Kansas, thank you for your dedication and your passion. You are making a difference everyday.