Toward Kinder Classrooms

Greetings and Welcome!

And thank you for visiting my website.

When I began my college education in 1968, I knew I wanted to be an English major, but had absolutely no idea what I “wanted to be when I grew up.” Fortunately, as a freshman at California Lutheran College—and in need of a job—I managed to land a position at a local elementary school.

Imagine my surprise to discover that I actually looked forward to going to work! Every day was fun for me as I talked with kids during their lunchtime and at recess. Before long I was “hooked” and so dedicated myself to doing everything in my power to earn the privilege of having my very own classroom.

During my senior year (and California’s required “5th year”), I worked as a classroom aide—what is now called a “para-professional.” I loved helping kids with their learning, especially when engaging in one of those treasured “teachable moments,” or if some child experienced an “aha moment” when the proverbial lightbulb went on! I chose this career and have no regrets.

I am now a retired educator—a former elementary school teacher, elementary principal, and Indiana University professor who taught social studies methods and classes designed to prepare future teachers for teaching in increasingly multicultural schools.

Throughout the years, I have shared my story with students of all ages in schools, churches, and Boys & Girls Clubs. It is a story about civil rights unrest, President Kennedy’s assassination, and teenage traumas. Those events ultimately triggered my conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The story remains relevant today.

More importantly, however, Dr. King, The Rabbi, and Me: A Connecticut Journey is my story—one that I wanted my sons to remember. I have told it to them over and over in hopes of teaching David and Peter some of the lessons I learned during a critical time of the Civil Rights Movement.

As a young teenager I observed—from a protected distance—the heat and heart of that time, understood the notion of fairness, and knew that life was not fair for Americans who were not white. Having witnessed an important time in our country’s history, I wanted my boys to recognize those struggles, remember them, and respond to them as they lived out their own lives.

Thankfully, they both understand some of the complexities and sensitivities regarding racial awareness, diversity, injustice, democratic ideals, and the need to move forward. Their career choices provide opportunity for each, in his own way, to make important contributions to the students they serve.

Rabbi Rubenstein presented me with an opportunity of a lifetime. My brief conversation with Dr. King that cool, May evening had a huge impact on me and, in fact, encouraged and inspired me throughout my life. I hope that the recounting of that experience in my book and the events that led up to it might prove to be a supplemental resource for students who share some of the same interests that I had during my early adolescent years. Ideally, it might also serve as a jumping-off point for teachers who want to encourage important conversations with their students.

Best case scenario? Such discussions might result in kinder, more civil classrooms and, perhaps, communities as well.