Tri for Triumph: Reasons to Race

Reason to Race 7: My Dad & Other Amazing Teachers

My dad...and me on his shirt!

My dad, Doug Wycoff, was the first amazing teacher I knew. I didn't realize just how much of an impact he had made on his students until I myself began high school and started running into current and former students of his in social settings. It didn't take me long to catch onto the fact that if I mentioned him, there was a good chance my social standing would leap a few levels if the person knew my dad. Talk about a revelation! How could my dad carry such currency in my attempts to be cool?

It turns out, my dad was an incredible teacher and had been for my whole childhood even before I realized it. He cared deeply about his students, was creative in engaging them in learning, and was just plain fun, often dressing up as characters like Huck Finn or Holden Caulfield. As I grew into adulthood and (surprising to all including myself), became a teacher, I developed a much deeper appreciation for the work he did and the hard work of teachers in general.

I was fortunate not only to grow up with a great teacher but to have had several during my life. My hope is to also be one, a little better tomorrow than I am today. I'm racing to remember this goal, and I'm racing for all the teachers out there who seek to do the same. In the face of so many people who question their expertise, of so many tests and standards, and so little funds available, great teachers remained focused on what matters...students.

If you'd like to support the race cause, Scholarship America, please donate here. Thank you for the encouragement and support!