I took a long and winding path to becoming a teacher. I worked as a log driver—floating timber down a river—and as a Model T driver, chauffeuring a carload of kids around museum grounds. But over time, I figured out that my true passion is teaching young people about science and space.
I began my career as an educator in 1970, and taught science in Monmouth, Maine, public schools for 30 years. I discovered that I loved the relationships I developed with the students and the way they absorbed information. By my second year, I was hooked and became president of the Monmouth Teachers Association.
I took great joy in working with kids on science experiments and on the math team. I also took students on trips to visit the planetarium at the University of Southern Maine, in Portland.
I soon discovered that student interest peaked when I talked about space. The topic covers so many important science lessons through the awe-inspiring marvels of the universe. Of course, it was a natural step for me to join the Maine Science Teachers Association, and I eventually served as its president.
I retired from teaching in 2001, but the science bug stayed with me. After moving to Sunset Beach, N.C., in 2014, I started volunteering with the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, where I operated the planetarium dome and presented star and music laser shows. I had the freedom to personalize my shows, so I often started with a corny joke: Do you know what an astronaut’s favorite book is? A comet book!
The crowds ranged from first graders—who confused me by raising their hands in the dark to ask questions—to college students and astronomy club members, who challenged me with tough questions.
I would ask younger kids to name their favorite planets in the solar system, then give them interesting facts about space. With older audiences, after a quick trip around the solar system, I’d tell them stories of stars, nebulas, and constellations.
After moving to Mooresville, N.C., in 2017, I again volunteered. This time, I was operating one of the largest domes in the state, at the Schiele Museum of Natural History, in Gastonia.
I also volunteered to represent the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory as one of about 1,000 solar system ambassadors (SSA) nationwide. We give lectures and speak to astronomy clubs and other groups about NASA and space science. As an SSA,
I was invited to do shows at my local library and elementary schools as well, where I became known as “science grandpa.”
When the pandemic hit, they asked me to create a group of recorded and live virtual shows—which was a challenge to say the least. Creating a 20-minute video could take 10 hours! But it was worth the effort, and the shows went over well.
I feel lucky to have had these wonderful opportunities in my 74 years around the sun. I can only hope that I’ve inspired future generations to continue to explore the universe—and beyond.
