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Teachers use previous professional experience to educate students
Canfield faculty members chose to make a
CANFIELD
Three Canfield district teachers who changed careers are using their professional experiences to inspire students.
Don Crum worked for 15 years as a civil engineer before going back to school in 1996 to become a teacher.
“I always had a longing to be a teacher, and the opportunity just presented itself one day,” Crum said.
Now, Crum teaches engineering graphics. Engineering graphics uses computer software for technical illustration, Crum explained.
“Everything started with some type of drawing, and computer software allows very precise and accurate drawings,” Crum said.
With no prior teaching experience, Crum said he was excited to share his engineering expertise with students.
“I always wanted to provide a little insight to young people into possible careers in engineering. ... I’d like to think that all of this is a catalyst for them going into that,” Crum said. “There’s a shortage of engineers to fill the positions that are available – in all branches of engineering.”
Crum said the value of the relationships with students past, present and future can’t be measured.
“I was willing to make any sacrifice to come here,” Crum said.
Carl Pennington, a math teacher familiar with changing career paths, is in his third career, coming from working as a treasurer and a sales manager.
“The media says you’re going to go through several career changes in your life – it’s true,” Pennington said.
Pennington said everyone always asked him why he wasn’t a teacher, and this motivated him to pursue it.
Pennington, like Crum, said he likes being able to inspire students through teaching.
“It’s about taking that kid who really is struggling and turning their life around,” Pennington said. “That’s what gets you through the bad times.”
Michael Strohecker, physical-education teacher, said he liked seeing students physically turning their lives around health-wise.
Through pre- and post-fitness tests, Strohecker said he helps students come from a starting point to a finishing one without them noticing along the way.
“It’s a more relaxed environment. Here in Canfield, we’ve created a curriculum the students want,” Strohecker said. “It debunks the idea of what phys ed should be.”
Strohecker, a Mount Union graduate, said he had to debunk his own idea of education,
Like Pennington and Crum, Strohecker also started his after-college career in a different field – athletic training and injury recognition.
“When we went to Mount, students would double-major in athletic training and education. Well, I wanted nothing to do with education. I was just more into fitness,” Strohecker said.
When he was contracted at a Pennsylvania high school, Strohecker said the gym teacher encouraged him to go back to school for education and said he would be a great example for students like him – those not as concerned about the educational side of fitness.
Now, Strohecker said the best part of his job is seeing students understand the importance of fitness.
“It’s about watching the light bulb go on for them when they finally understand and figure things out,” Strohecker said.