Terry Meyers does not measure teaching success in dollars earned or summer vacations spent.
“What really is gratifying is to see the improvement (students) may not notice themselves, or when I take students on a trip to France and see the impact it has on them.
“You can see they finally understand what they studied for, and their efforts have paid off,” said Meyers, who will retire in June after 32 years teaching French at Hinsdale Central High School.
“Back then, Hinsdale Central did not hire you unless you had previous experience, so it was good I had taught five years previously,” Meyers said.
During the course of four decades, Meyers has seen vast changes in how teachers deliver instruction and how students absorb it.
“Even over just the last 10 years, teaching has changed, especially with progress made in technology. Today the tools with which we work is just off-the-charts better than before, the materials at our disposal have improved so much,” Meyers said.
“I know the expectations of teachers has also increased exponentially, from the planning to the record keeping,” Meyers said.
In the fast-paced environment in which students live, Meyers hopes students do not burn themselves out with school, sports and friends.
“While more is expected out of teachers, students are also spreading themselves out as thinly as the adults with extracurricular and other commitments as well,” Meyers said.
Notable
• Lt. Governor’s Award for Exemplary Teaching
• At least seven former students have gone on to become French teachers
• Her picture appeared on the cover of the French novel, “Anne Marie,” which won the 1980 Prix Goncourt (best fiction award)
& quotable
“I believe in public education. It is the basis of our democracy and ensures equality for all,” Meyers said.
Philosophy
Until you have helped someone else move forward, you can’t say you have had a successful career
Favorites
HOBBY Biking and hiking, especially in the mountains of Tucson and in Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
MOVIES “A Lion in Winter, “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Crash”
