Classical High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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aN Mr. Richard Ricci - Science Mr. Paul Rieker - English er Now for those term papers ... Mrs. Jeannette Scheehser - Office Mr. Jerome Shea - Science Teaching Tribulations Mrs. Audrey Szlachetka - Science “As long as there is a need to learn, there is a need to teach.” This practical view is that of Mrs. Frances Evans, a Classical Social Studies teacher. In discussing her reasons for teaching, Mrs. Evans stated that she would not choose any other profession if she were given the chance to do so. Although many teachers enjoy their work, the teaching situation is not perfect. Teaching this year in Springfield posed many problems. Many faculty members were involved in lengthy contract negotiations which included a controversial residency requirement question. Another key issue was a “work- to-rule” effort proposed by the Springfield Federation of Teachers. For the most part, the faculty continued to participate in non-paying extra- curricular activities in spite of the proposal. These teachers willingly gave up their own time to hold advisory positions in various Classical clubs. High school is a learning experience for faculty members as well as students. As time goes on, the need to learn will increase. At Classical, the faculty will answer that need. FACULTY [[q] 29

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Mr. Euclid Lague - Language Mr. Edward Lundrigan - Science “Dead Language Lives Latin, formerly known as a “dead” language, has been resurrected at Classical. From among the foreign languages available to students, many have chosen to study Latin, the mother tongue of the Romance languages. Miss Carolina Accorsi, Classical’s only Latin teacher, feels that, “Latin opens one’s mind to an old civilization to which we owe a great deal.” She also believes that a knowledge of Latin is helpful in the study of English. Her students agree. This year’s Latin I pupils expressed that an appreciation of their own language was due to what they were learning in Latin class. Knowing this base language also led to a greater understanding of French, Italian, and Spanish, all derived from Latin. A beginning Latin student undertakes quite a task. He must master five declensions of nouns and four conjugations of verbs, as well as muddle through a labyrinth of special adjectives and adverbs. Both the teacher and the students enjoy Latin. Many members of the Latin I class continue the study to Latin II. Miss Accorsi looks forward to seeing former students again. Why? As Miss Accorsi says, “I like to be instrumental in helping to open minds into the Classical world.” Althea Stafford ponders verb endings. Miss Accorsi answers questions. 28 [[@] FACULTY

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Sub Service Not all of Classical’s faculty members feel secure in their positions. Some, known as permanent substitutes, are often unsure of the status of their teaching jobs at Classical. Permanent substitutes are qualified teachers hired for extended periods of time without contracts. Before they are hired on contract, they must be approved by the Springfield School Committee. The work done by these teachers does not differ from that of tenured teachers. After a permanent substitute has worked in a certain school for forty consecutive days, he is paid the same salary as are the contract teachers. Permanent and long-term subs are basically in the same position. However, a permanent substitute is usually hired for an entire school year. A long-term sub may be employed for a shorter period of time. Classical’s faculty includes six permanent subs. Miss Baadj, Mrs. Devlin, Ms. Keenan, Mr. Rieker, Mrs. Simmons, and Ms. Tammi are all classified as permanent substitutes. As a teacher, a permanent sub is entitled to the same advantages as a tenured teacher. However, one disadvantage Ms. Pat Keenan gives her views on the plight of subs. is that there is no feeling of job security. A permanent sub has no idea of the duration of his position. The school has rehire a substitute. no obligation to rehire a substitute. Ms. Pat Keenan suggests that a new definition of Ms. Pat Keenan suggests that a new definition of permanent substitutes could improve their situation. permanent substitutes could improve their situation. A A clarification of the rights of a permanent sub might clarification of the rights of a permanent sub might assure assure the teacher of a more stable sense of job the teacher of a more stable sense of job commitment. commitment. Mrs. Mildred Cabana-Counselor Mrs. Florence Hallbourg-Math Mrs. Ruby Kelly-Gym Mr. Robert Keough-Math Mrs. Helen Landry-Language 30 e FACULTY