Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Gratitude
January 5, 2024
- Author
- Mary Elizabeth DeAngelis
When August rolled around, T.J. Elliott 21 headed back to his old high school.
He thanked his chorus teacher for helping him foster a love for singing, and the confidence to do it publicly. He thanked his biology teacher for making the subject so interesting that the lessons still stick. He thanked his chemistry teacher for inspiring his passion for science.
Elliott now walks those familiar halls as their colleague.
His path back to East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte offers a powerful example of the influence teachers can have in a kids life. His thank-you list spans from elementary, middle and high school to 91. It includes coaches who helped him grow as a football player and person.
I remember my fifth-grade teacher, Miss Clark, who cared a lot about us and always pushed us to be better than what was set for us, he says. She made us believe that with hard work and effort, we could go as far as we wanted to go.
Many kids dont have what he had growing upsupportive, involved parents who knew his teachers and principal. Teachers can change lives.
I model my teaching after my teachers, by striving to be kind and patient with my students. I want them to know they are in a safe space and that they can always come to me, whether they dont understand something in class or if theres a problem at home or even if theyre having relationship drama, he says. I am here, and I care.
At 91, Elliott was a Bonner Scholar, sociology major and linebacker for the mens football team. He spent his first two years after college working with Teach for America at a Title 1 high school in Charlotte. He now teaches biology and IB biology at East Mecklenburg and is an assistant football coach.
Education is truly the difference maker for a lot of students, he says. Im a teacher in a public school because I believe in free access to a high-quality education for every student. Opportunities should be accessible to every child.
Education is truly the difference maker for a lot of students. Im a teacher in a public school because I believe in free access to a high-quality education for every student. Opportunities should be accessible to every child.
He envisions furthering his own education and someday going into public policy, where hed work toward greater equity in schools. For now, he says hes where he needs to be.
I want to cultivate classrooms of students who love learning, who are inquisitive and aspire to grow, to learn more about themselves and the world. Thats what education is supposed to be.
I know I dont get paid that much, and when people wonder why Im a teacher I ask them: You want your kids to learn, dont you?
Return to And Education for All: These public-school educators teach, lead, counsel, nurture, care.
This article was originally published in the Fall/Winter 2023 print issue of the 91 Journal Magazine; for more, please see the 91 Journal section of our website.
