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Thank you so much for the wonderful article that you put together for us ... You did a great job with it ... very professional. We appreciate the positive exposure to the community. ... you were an answer to a prayer. Thank you for being there for us. --Huntsville Item interview subject, 2007 This is definitely a better book because of what you submitted. --Publisher, 2003 ... what a romp! After this read I've got a case of humor whiplash. Great writing! --Reader, 2004 Thank you so much for the terrific article. ... It was wonderful ... --Huntsville Item interview subject, 2007 Very funny! You are a great writer! --Editor, 2004 Thank you so much for the terrific article. ... It was wonderful ... --Huntsville Item interview subject, 2007 I just read your spoof, congrats. Great work! --Reader, 2008 |
BOOK EXCERPT: Classroom Riot, from Humor for a Teacher's Heart My daughter had the same wonderful teacher through both her second and third grade years. Whenever she needed a substitute, she asked one of the mothers to fill in. After the first year passed, and I had not received an invitation to substitute, my feelings were a little hurt. Now I realize why she waited so long before calling me. I think teachers who survive the job for twenty years or more must develop a sixth sense when it comes to judging character. My chance came the second year when this lovely lady wanted to leave early for Thanksgiving weekend. Whether all the other mothers were busy, or sick, or in jail at that time ... I'll never know. But she was desperate enough to agree that I could even bring along my preschooler. ... . © Amber Ferguson 
Read the rest in Humor for a Teacher's Heart, available for purchase at: Amazon.com.
Only 5 left in stock--order soon (more on the way). FEATURE ARTICLE: This Program Saved My Life It wasn't so much the young man's height, his handsome face, or even his rugged, athletic build - although those features were noteworthy enough. It was more his firm handshake, the way he met my eyes, his direct but polite way of answering my questions. Civil Air Patrol cadet commander Jimmy McCann wore leadership like a suit tailor made for him with no trace of arrogance. Call me cheesy, but I couldn't stop thinking of John Wayne. Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members fire catch phrases like a semiautomatic: "Confidence, integrity, teamwork, mutual respect, character development, duty to community, citizenship ... " It sounds like advertising jargon, too good to be true. McCann thinks not. Now 20-years-old, he entered the Civil Air Patrol in the eighth grade. "Before CAP, I had no confidence. I was on drugs, dyslexic, from a bad neighborhood. CAP taught me how to follow, then to lead." On a late July afternoon, the heat index goes without saying. Yet the handful of cadets in camouflage uniforms marched with precision across the Huntsville airport's black tarmac, snapping left and right, forward and backward, halting then resuming according to McCann's commands. After half an hour in the southeast Texas oven, they trooped into the airport for a drink of water and a brief classroom lecture from CAP Air Force Education Officer Captain Farris, retired Delta Airlines and Air Force fighter pilot. Afterward, the cadets shared pizza and a game of Frisbee, also known as teamwork training. At other meetings, they might view aerospace videos, discuss survival techniques, or hear about search and rescue missions from a senior member. Captain Jerry Rowley has led the Huntsville Civil Air Patrol unit for five-and-a-half years. His eyes sparkle when he speaks of the young adults' bad attitudes that were changed by CAP. He calls it "the challenge of succeeding," and one can't help but catch his enthusiasm as he tells of the teenagers who slump through their first meetings - some shy, others sulky - then grow into confident, self-disciplined young adults who can look you directly in the eye. Cadets are encouraged to think independently, and to face moral dilemmas and problems with courage. Rowley says the experience of leading the young people is rewarding, " ... when it comes to seeing the progress that the cadets make and seeing them accomplish their goals." As a senior member, Rowley is involved in both cadet training as well as humanitarian projects. Referring to one search and rescue mission, he said, "My sons and I, and others from my old squadron, were called upon by the NTSB to do a ground search for missing parts from an earlier plane crash. They were most interested in finding the landing gear. When we found it, it was a satisfying feeling of success, and of accomplishment. Being able to help others." With more than 56,000 volunteers, including 27,000 cadets aged 12 to 21, in 1,700 units, the Civil Air Patrol is the U.S. Air Force civilian auxiliary. Possessing the world's largest fleet of single-engine, piston aircraft, and the nation's most extensive communications network, CAP senior members perform 95 percent of the nation's continental search and rescue missions as well as provide aerial reconnaissance for Homeland Security and disaster relief. Members are not required to fly, but interested cadets can pursue flight training in age-appropriate learning environments. In addition to classroom studies, cadets may take orientation flights with experienced pilots at no cost to them and learn to fly at the CAP flight academies each summer. CAP assists cadets interested in secondary education with scholarships. Women are welcome as both cadets and senior members. Captain Rowley's wife holds the position of Personnel Officer, keeping the cadet files up to date with test scores, activities attended, and the like. Lt. Anderson holds dual roles as Public Affairs and Finance Officer. Among other volunteer projects, Huntsville CAP members work the Wings over Houston air show each year. Captain Rowley envisions growth for the unit. He says, "I see [the unit] growing into a strong group of cadets and senior members dedicated to fulfilling the missions that we have to do, like teaching about aerospace education and helping each other to become strong leaders for our community and nation." Rowley is pursuing moving the CAP unit to the National Guard facility in Huntsville and is planning a fundraiser at Wal-Mart August 26. At the age of 18, CAP cadets can choose between staying in the cadet program and moving to the senior unit. Commander McCann wiped a pretend tear from his eye when mentioning his upcoming twenty-first birthday, at which time he must join the senior unit. When asked why he stayed with the cadets, he smiled. "It's not so much for me anymore. I do it for these guys. This program just saved my life." © Amber Ferguson This essay originally appeared in the Huntsville Item. Copyright retained by the author. |