I had the pleasant experience of speaking with my 6th grade teacher on the telephone today. I think the last time we had spoken was in 1968 at the end of the school year. Mr. Ernie Flanagan was one of my two favorite teachers of all time, the other being Mrs. Sharon Pennell from the 5th grade and at the same school, Binns Elementary in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Flanagan is now 85 years old and has been retired for 25 years now. He didnt remember me by name, but I think that when we meet in person he will. Ernie Flanagan is a great American, a Christian, and a God-fearing Korean war veteran. What I most fondly remember about his class was that we opened every day with a prayer, sometimes led by him, and sometimes led by students who volunteered. Nobody ever objected, of course. It was a different era. also was reminded during our talk of Mr. Flanagans Daily Schedule Sheets. Mr. Flanagan required every student to fill them out weekly to plan their study activities, and have them approved by parents. He said that he solved every discipline problem by having conferences with the parents, and by being sure that every parent was always aware of what their child was doing in he classroom, good or bad. It was a touching conversation. I am apparently among a tiny minority of students who ever followed up to express their appreciation for the positive influence he had made on their lives. So Im thanking you again, Mr. Flanagan. We are going to be staying in touch, and hopefully we will have a reunion sometime in Columbus.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 03:01:37 +0000
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