Don Adams Celebrates 45th Year in Education

We recently interviewed Don as he reflected on spending 40 of his 45 years in education at Alleman.

Q: What has kept you teaching at Alleman for so long? Why is it special?

A: What has kept me teaching for so long at Alleman High School are all the various people I have encountered — everyone from students to administrators to support staff to the lunch ladies. Over the years I have felt that I have genuinely become a part of the Alleman family. I am drawn to its rich tradition of academic excellence, service to the community, and its deep commitment to the well-being of all members of the community. My association with Alleman Catholic High School has left a positive and lasting impression on me. I believe Alleman is special because of the efforts it puts forth to provide an environment for all of us to explore becoming the best that we can be as people.

Q: What are your fondest memories of teaching?

A: I will always fondly remember the people I have had the good fortune to work with and serve. Every day that I walk in the door, I remind myself that we have the chance to create something positive. We just have to make our best effort to be open and to engage with those we serve as teachers, colleagues, mentors, and friends.

Q: Why is Catholic Education so important?

A: Catholic education is so important because it provides a faith-based atmosphere and environment conducive to the discovery of our relationship with each other and to God. The traditional values of the Catholic Christian tradition are essential to the formation process which guides and directs our development as God’s children.

Q: What would you say to students that are considering teaching as a career?

A: I encountered a saying many years ago which stated that teaching is “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” I have found this to be true for myself as I have reflected on my own evolution as a teacher. If a young person is looking for an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life on a regular basis, I would encourage them to pursue a career in education. I believe I can look back on my efforts to be a positive influence on my students with some confidence that I have assisted them in their journey through life to become the people that God calls them to be. When I first began teaching, a family member gave me a plaque which said “Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.” My daily efforts for all these years centers around the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi which essentially says that we should prayerfully offer ourselves to God to guide and direct us to those in need. I hope I have done this and will strive to continue to do so.