Eric A. Combs
Ohio Teacher of the Year
Fairborn High School, Fairborn
Grade 9, World Studies

My teaching philosophy
Teaching is so much more than a profession or calling. I believe that's where it starts, but it evolves into something that encompasses more than the seeking of knowledge. I look at my students and realize they get much more from me than facts about the French Revolution or the end of the Romanov's rule in Russia. I represent a piece of the bigger world to students. I am the window they peer through to get a safe, yet realistic picture of the world they will soon enter. It is an opportunity for them to make mistakes, to take risks and to find what I call their "voice." Having lived in countries that limit even the most basic human rights for citizens, I am able to show my students how others are treated and that they must become continuous learners in this volatile and dangerous world. My philosophy is to bring students to that place of opportunity to learn, that spot in history or geography where they can feel free to ask "why". I challenge them to limit excuses and not allow the paltry habits of today to invoke the disease of apathy.

I had a student last year who really changed my perspective on life. She was dying of cancer and yet refused to let that stop her from emailing or calling to get assignments. I thought, "Here is the essence of learning" - that it's not so much what we learn, but rather that we learn what we can with every possible moment. I share her story with every class in hopes that they can grasp this important lesson. Learning is the habit I try to encourage and foster in my students.

My philosophy in action
I bring to the classroom 20 years of military experience, of living in different cultures and lands. From my experiences, I share with my students how we learn in every situation (or have the potential to!) and that there are things we should learn with every exchange of ideas, thoughts or principles. The proof of the pudding is teachers' willingness to meet our student's needs and build trust in many different ways. For example, I had a young girl who did not like to communicate in class verbally. I noticed she enjoyed drawing during class and after several attempts to engage her in dialogue, I decided to try a new route by offering her an opportunity to paint a portrait of the Russian revolutionary leader, Lenin, on the classroom's back wall. I picked Lenin because this girl was very much into edgy and dark characters in her art. She couldn't believe I would let her do such a thing and after gaining approval from my administrator, I provided black and white paint and a brush. It was the moment of trust she needed to open up in my class and since that time she has flourished.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
As a social educator, I feel it is so important to allow students to explore the larger concepts of selfless service, commitment, honor and sacrifice. So many of our students live for the moment, never realizing the greater part they play for humanity. I think perhaps there was a moment when I helped a student understand what sacrifice and duty truly are by having her present a story about her brother. She had come to school one day and told me her brother was returning from serving in Iraq. I asked her what he did and she told me, "I think he's a Marine or something. He also got some purple medal for being there." I was astonished that she knew so little of what her brother had obviously gone through, so I offered her extra credit if she could bring in the citation to the medal and read it to the class. Being retired from the Air Force, I knew the citation would give us insight into exactly what happened and hopefully show her the importance of that "purple" medal. When she brought in the medal and citation, she could barely finish the words before looking up at me and whispering, "My brother's a hero." I can't think of a better moment in teaching than helping my students understand that there are living examples of greatness to draw from, often in our own home.

The most critical issues facing educators today
I believe adapting to our ever-changing social and political environment is a huge challenge to all educators. Knowing that our issues of the past may not be those of our students is a key element of understanding who we are as educators and who our students are as individuals, coming to us for help. If we keep getting stuck in how our students behave, judging their attitudes and comparing them to ourselves or our generation, then we will have an incredibly more difficult time approaching them with a spirit of service or commitment. For instance, high school dances are a prime example of how different our students are today. I could anchor my feelings about the inappropriate moves and join those who complain on the sidelines, but if the issue is important enough to offend me now, what about the future for these students? Remaining silent can often be our worst response when faced with the bigger lessons of life for our students. If we can't open up honest and healthy dialogue in schools, where will our students learn about how to handle these issues in life?

Ways to resolve this issue
Be a role model for students, staff and parents. Lead by example and try to make each day the best possible for your students. If something offends, don't join others in complaining, put your brain and muscles to work in fixing the issue and addressing how it effects the educational environment. If the school dances are out of control, have a meeting of students, parents and staff to explain the issues and include all those involved in constructive and collaborative dialogue. I would caution, however, never pawn off your responsibility to a committee. If it is time to cancel the dance until the issues are resolved, be firm in your decisions, especially ones that can impact your students. This is an example of being a role model for others to follow.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
Be yourself and serve your passion. Too many times we compare ourselves to others when most often, we are the best examples of ourselves. It's great to learn techniques and methods from others, but apply them your way and make yourself genuine to your students.

One lesson every student should learn
"Every subject's duty is to the King, but every subject's soul is his own" from Henry V, William Shakespeare. In the modern vernacular, we all have duty in this world of education, but the student alone must shoulder their own education to whatever end they take it.

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