For a teacher, receiving a recognition based on the nomination by a former student can be a true testament to the power of their influence, and 23 teachers from two states received that honor this year as part of the St. Vincent College Great Teacher Recognition Program. Freshman students at St Vincent in Latrobe are given the opportunity to single out a former teacher who inspired them and influenced them in a positive way.
Connellsville Area psychology teacher Kenneth House was one of the selected teachers whose inspiration and dedication to the profession is one that was recognized by a former student who chose to follow in his footsteps.
“Mr. House was a great teacher,� former student Caleigh Williams said of the teacher that she selected as a standout during her time at Connellsville Area High School. “He made the material we were learning fun and spoke to us as equals, not little kids. He was also the man who inspired me and several other students to major in psychology. He deserves to be recognized for his hard work and his dedication.�
Both of House's parents were teachers, but House himself spent several years in a different profession before pursing his own career as an instructor.
“I'm a nontraditional teacher,� House said. “I was in retail sales for 10 years before teaching. I really appreciate this profession after working in such a stressful environment.�
House said that he feels honored to be a part of a profession that he loves while also working with the young students whose faces he enjoys seeing with smiles.
“Going to work is fun with challenging young minds,� House said. “I love this job, and it's my responsibility to stay positive.�
House has been teaching in the district for several years and says that he finds this recognition, the first of its kind for the popular instructor and “awesome� experience.
Connellsville Area High School principal Nick Bosnic said that House's personality and teaching skills have proved to be a hit at the school.
“Mr. House's classes are very popular,� Bosnic said. “He has a good personality and good communication with the students. He does a lot of things a little differently, and he does have great rapport with the students. That's why he is so popular with them.�
House said that he feels that teaching is not only something that is done in the period times that are allotted to him, but something that should follow the students after they leave his classroom to step into the future.
“I enjoy teaching while getting these young adults ready for life after graduation,� House said. “This class identifies their true ‘self.' What is it that they are living for. In developing their personalities, I need to be positive every day and make it fun while they learn this discipline.�
House is married with two children.
Marilyn Forbes is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.