A teacher at the Alternative Learning Academy in Centralia for the past decade is this week’s WJBD-WSIQ Teacher of the Week.
John George says the work of several of his own teachers as well as encouragement from his US Marine Corps boss led him into the teaching field. He says working with students who have not done well in their home districts across Marion, Clinton, and Washington County also comes from his background.
“I could of been one of these kids. I didn’t have the best upbringing. My mom was very good but we weren’t as well off as other people were so I understand where some of these kids come from and that’s the draw and why I think I stay here.”
George says he’s taught 20 subject areas to mostly high school students and with COVID-19 is doing it at the same time remotely to those in attendance in person.
“We do life skills classes and we have the wide track program. That encourages them to make better decisions with their life and show them that they may be struggling now but there are ways to work through their problems and give themselves a better chance at life.”
In his nomination, George was recognized for his high energy with a kind soul who buys drinks, popcorn, and snacks out of his pocket and even set up a trivia night to be able to buy his students Christmas presents.
“I’ve raised over $10,000 in charities since throughout my life through trivia. I’ve raised money for the Cultural and Humane Societies, Relay for Life. I create the trivia questions and I don’t charge a fee just so we can get money for those charities and we usually have a good time and raise some money for them.”
George also worked in the past to take his students to the AMC Movie Theatre in Centralia in conjunction with a book they were reading. He notes many of the students come from backgrounds where they don’t get many opportunities. George is happy when former students stay in touch after leaving the Academy, noting several have successful jobs and have started families.
While the goal of the Alternative Learning Academy is to get students back to their home districts, George says many stay for the remainder of their high school career because they fit in better at the alternative school and can still graduate.
The Alternative Learning Academy has six staff members and right now has 53 students, but that number has been up to 90 students at times.
