Who's the Teach?

Most of us get hooked on one or more “reality” TV shows each season. Whether we are fascinated by clothing design, food preparation, competitive games, or weight loss, a huge variety of content is available to the average TV viewer. But not very often is there a show that inspires us to give back to society, especially to today’s young generation.

I've come across such a show, starting in October that I think will do just that!

At 59 years old, Tony Danza, TV and Broadway actor, is also a graduate of University of Dubuque (Iowa) in History Education. Though he never taught school after graduating from college, he has taken on the challenge now—teaching at the largest high school in Philadelphia—10th grade English! The A&E Network will be airing his journey—the tears, the challenges, the inspirational stories this fall.

Assigning work that included poetry contests, short stories, and relatable life lessons from classic books, Danza, in this week's edition of Parade Magazine, shared that he was the one who was most changed by the students he grew to love saying, “You have to be a father, a mother, a social worker, a psychiatrist. The kids need to know someone cares.”

His goal? To inspire other adults—young or old—to be teachers.

When he contemplated the impact that one person, one teacher has on a classroom or campus or community, rather than being discouraged, he realized that changing ONE life is incredibly important to that ONE child.

You don’t have to be a college-educated teacher to teach. You can make a little change in the way you spend your free time and see a big result in someone else’s life!

In every community, there are organizations, ranging from the Boys and Girls Club of America to local community or church tutoring programs that are always looking for adult volunteers. One caring adult can become a teacher, mentor, or foster grandparent to help one student read more proficiently, have someone special to talk with about their struggles, or just provide rides to after-school activities. In fact, some school districts offer emergency credentialing for adults who are willing to teach specific subjects in which they have expertise.

Take time—this week—to research what your local community needs from you. Become a volunteer for special needs children, disadvantaged students, or go big and return to school in some capacity. This is not just a good idea. This is a challenge!

Be encouraged,

Becky