By Richard Farber
My mentor was my tenth grade Math teacher Martin Schultz. He was a good instructor who inspired his students. In addition to his intellect he always was well dressed and a good athlete. He was cordial and pleasant to me. I was interested in literature and I asked Mr. Schultz what his favorite book was. He told me and soon brought in his copy of “The Fountainhead” for me to read. The personal relationships he formed with his students was what made him special.
At the end of the school year there was a student-faculty basketball game. I had a good time cheering for the faculty team while Mr. Schultz played.
Years later I became an intermediate school teacher with a Social Studies license. The license was limiting to my career because I couldn’t become tenured in this crowded field. So I decided to get a Math license. I was not alone, other teachers also sought out second licenses and a group of us went to a party given by the Board of Education. At the party I met Mr. Schultz, who was involved in teaching new Math teachers. I went up to him and introduced myself as a former student who was inspired by him. He was gracious but didn’t remember me even when I mentioned “The Fountainhead”.
I didn’t mind not being remembered by Mr. Schultz because he inspired me to be a special teacher to my students and to always give part of myself to my students as well as the knowledge I imparted. I also made a point to play in the student-faculty baseball game each year to show my students I was a real person they could identify with.
I met former students after I retired and was deeply touched when they told me that I changed their lives and would never be forgotten.
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