The Colton Tribute

Below is the article I wrote for the Cedar Rapids Gazette that was published last Thursday. Since anyone who would buy a newspaper has now done so, I thought I could post this.

One of my friends commented on the irony that a homeschool dad would write a positive article about a public school teacher, and about teachers in general. I admit that might seem strange. Here's a couple of responses:

• I feel Mr. Colton was an extraordinary teacher. Many teachers are excellent. There are a few are abusive (verbally, physically, etc). It's the latter group that I'm uncomfortable with.
• One reason for homeschooling is to control the learning pace of your child. You can go faster or slower, as the child's need is shown. Public education lacks this flexibility. Accelerated learners often are not challenged. Slower leaners are often labeled as such and struggle. This is not surprising ... how can a teacher with 20-25 kids in a single classroom give individual, customized instruction to all?
• Public schools do not necessarily promote my values. Our homeschool certainly does.
• Our children do utilize the public school system through the Cedar Rapids Homeschool Assistance Program (CRHSAP) http://homeschool.cr.k12.ia.us/. We are very pleased with the teachers we have encountered, and the activities the program provides. In exchangefor their services, the school receives state funding because our child is enrolled in the school district. It is a win-win.
• Our kids may very well attend public school one day. They may also participate in extra-curricular activities like sports, band, and drama. If they do, I hope they will have a similar experience with their teachers as I had with Steve Colton.

Here is the article ...

-----------------------------------------

I was not the most talented music student at Linn-Mar High School in 1987. In fact, as a senior-to-be trombone player reporting to marching band camp, it might have taken two hands to count the number of peers that could take me down in a duel of scales.

As a freshman three years earlier, my parents had to strongly encourage me to even stay involved with band (coercion would be a more accurate term). “It might be fun,” my mom said more than once. “You’ve never been in marching band before,” was another oft-spoken appeal.

My band director-to-be was Steve Colton. Mr. Colton was a stick of a man, with large glasses that hung on a long, pointed nose. He was the stereotypical “band geek” that (in my eyes) had turned into a band geek adult. His saving grace was his bright red Camaro, with the broad black racing stripe down the hood. It roared into the parking lot every morning about 7 o’clock, and was the perfect car for a Linn-Mar employee (with its red-and-black scheme). Unquestionably, he had the coolest car in the teacher’s lot.

High school band is many things. It is a graded class for which credit is earned. It is marching band in the fall -- pep, jazz and concert bands in the winter and spring. It is a social petri dish where dozens of students with little in common learn to move and play as one. It is long practices, long bus rides, and exhilaration when everything comes together at performance time. And it is somewhat unique – I had the same instructor for eight semesters, for a minimum of an hour a day (and often three to four hours counting lessons and extra rehearsals.)

It was during those four years that I realized an important truth – teachers are regular people – and can even be your friends. From 1984-88, I was instructed, directed, counseled, corrected, challenged, encouraged, and befriended by Colton. No, I wasn’t the most gifted of students, or even the most dedicated. But, as all good educators do, he got the most from me possible. In doing so, he taught me the value of expecting more from myself.

When my senior year began, Colton asked me to play a solo during the marching band season, and featured solos in jazz band. He asked for my input on decisions that would impact future students. He wrote a letter of recommendation for my college applications. He played an important role in my life – one that went beyond what would have been required for him to collect a paycheck and for me to graduate.

In the 18 years that have since passed, it was a pleasure to visit with my former teacher now and again. We relived old memories, and reflected on changes in my life and his. He met my wife and children, was interested in my profession, and even recently became a client. He spoke enthusiastically about his grown children, travel plans, and how pleased he was to continue serving the Linn-Mar school district beyond retirement as a school board member. Most significantly, I was able to go beyond my relationship with “Mr. Colton.” I got to know Steve.

When Steve retired two years ago, I was fortunate to be able to express many of these thoughts to him – to tell him personally the impact that he had on my life. When I heard the news last week of his sudden death, I was glad that my words of appreciation had not been expressed too late for both he and I to enjoy.

Few people in our lives truly make a lasting impact. Educators must rank near the top. Most of us can remember the names of our homeroom teachers for each grade of school. We recall the coaches and sponsors who sweat with us during intense practices. In retrospect, we appreciate those that went the extra mile to challenge us, and in some cases, sacrifice their personal popularity for the sake of their students’ development.

In a culture that places such high value on material wealth and career advancement, the road of an educator can appear to be one of less worth. Many teachers could earn more working outside the classroom in the private sector. Some would certainly receive more notoriety. Yet, few would impact so many lives.

As we say goodbye to one teacher, our children are about to say hello to a man or woman that may just change their life. Our thanks go out to all those who will live forever as “Mister” and “Miss” in the minds of so many.

And thanks again, Steve, for a job -- and a life -- well done.

Brian Hagerman is a 1988 graduate of Linn-Mar High School and 1992 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. He resides in Marion and is a Financial Services Professional with New York Life.