Jerry Ferderer has had a diverse teaching career. He started his 24-year long career teaching at the Surprise Creek Colony for two years where he taught grades 1-8, all subjects. For the next three years his job involved teaching all subjects to grades 5-8.
Jerry worked for 1½ years as a substitute teacher for the Great Falls Public Schools, and then he worked for 17 years as a Literacy teacher in both the Great Falls public elementary schools as well as private schools.
In recalling a memorable moment, Jerry said, “I think one of the funniest moments of my teaching career was when I was teaching at the Surprise Creek Colony. We had gone up to the sheep barn to watch them shearing sheep. One of the student’s parents asked if I would like to try shearing a sheep. My reply was that I figured both the sheep and I would be much happier if I didn’t. “
Jerry said, “The most important thing I learned from my teaching career is to not take things personally ─ that building relationships was key to all learning. Also, sometimes the best answer to a question is ‘I don’t know.’ I am most proud of my ability to connect with my students. My students knew that I truly cared about their success. Most importantly, I provided a place where my students felt safe.”
Most of all, Jerry said that he will miss the interaction with his students. “The reason I will miss this is because there is nothing like seeing the look on a child’s face when he or she ‘finally gets it’.”
In retirement, Jerry hopes to be “an ambassador of good will.” He said, “I will continue to travel to as many places as possible. I will spend time with friends and family. I will continue to go on walking trips and meet new friends.
Carpe Diem! “
Jerry worked for 1½ years as a substitute teacher for the Great Falls Public Schools, and then he worked for 17 years as a Literacy teacher in both the Great Falls public elementary schools as well as private schools.
In recalling a memorable moment, Jerry said, “I think one of the funniest moments of my teaching career was when I was teaching at the Surprise Creek Colony. We had gone up to the sheep barn to watch them shearing sheep. One of the student’s parents asked if I would like to try shearing a sheep. My reply was that I figured both the sheep and I would be much happier if I didn’t. “
Jerry said, “The most important thing I learned from my teaching career is to not take things personally ─ that building relationships was key to all learning. Also, sometimes the best answer to a question is ‘I don’t know.’ I am most proud of my ability to connect with my students. My students knew that I truly cared about their success. Most importantly, I provided a place where my students felt safe.”
Most of all, Jerry said that he will miss the interaction with his students. “The reason I will miss this is because there is nothing like seeing the look on a child’s face when he or she ‘finally gets it’.”
In retirement, Jerry hopes to be “an ambassador of good will.” He said, “I will continue to travel to as many places as possible. I will spend time with friends and family. I will continue to go on walking trips and meet new friends.
Carpe Diem! “
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