Page 84 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2018 - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

A Long

Lasting

Impression

By Samuel J. Ayers, Ed. D.

His handwriting resembled the mentors for me. Bruce Frazee was the first person to
scrawl you see on a prescription suggest I earn a doctorate and teach at the university
pad. This tall, slender man level, a suggestion that would eventually lead me
with heavy eyelids wore a suit to Texas Tech University. Thomas Sergiovanni
and tie every day. He was a introduced me to school administrative theory and the
highly respected academician important leadership role of school administrators,
throughout the university, in spite which prompted me to change my graduate major
of his distinct southern drawl. to school administration and led to me becoming a
Although he was Chair of the principal. Ivan Fitzwater taught leadership and school
Education Department, he taught law courses in a practical, non-threatening manner,
the introductory course for all which served me well as a principal and contributed
education majors. Dr. John Moore to the presentation style I utilize in the Principal and
was my first education professor at Trinity University. The School Law courses I teach at Lubbock Christian
course was composed of relevant readings, thought-provoking University.
lectures, and a valuable observation requirement of 30 hours
at an area school. He provided a memorable start to my Although Professor John Moore has never lived in
educator training and continued to influence my beliefs about Lubbock, his direct and indirect mentoring made a
teaching and learning. lasting impression on this college student and young
educator who made Lubbock his home. I, in turn,
As a college sophomore, John Moore invited me to drive along have attempted to have a positive influence on my
with him to visit a San Antonio City Councilman who was elementary and secondary students, my teachers, my
serving on a committee that recognized outstanding teachers college students, and my colleagues. John Moore’s
within Bexar County. I also attended the recognition event circle of influence expands beyond San Antonio and
where the Trinity Prize was awarded to outstanding teachers. into the Lubbock community. All “seniors,” young
He taught me that intentionally honoring teachers is not only and old, should embrace opportunities to be mentored
uplifting to these dedicated individuals, but it also promotes and to mentor others. This personal investment of
community awareness and gratitude toward our local time and example will have both immediate and long-
educators. These experiences made an impression on a young term benefits for individuals and for their communities
college student and influenced me to create a local initiative. as they continue to live, work, volunteer and influence
The Distinguished Educators of Lubbock County initiative others.
recognizes an outstanding teacher from each of the public
school districts located within the county and the Lubbock
Christian Award for Excellence in Teaching is
awarded to the top two teachers as selected by a
Lubbock area community panel.

As a senior elementary education major, Dr. Moore
selected me as one of a cohort of college students
to work with gifted and talented middle school
students in their Saturday morning enrichment
experience program. This further developed my
confidence as a young educator and contributed to
my skills to address the diverse learning needs of my
students in a variety of school environments during
my 27 years as a teacher and administrator in the
Lubbock Independent School District.
Dr. Moore was also directly responsible for hiring
three professors who also served as educational

84 Lubbock Senior Link