This week we introduce a new feature in which we interview a teacher about the fun and frustration of their profession, and learn a little about how they ended up in the classroom.
Tim Higgins has a simple philosophy when it comes to running his classroom.
“They don’t care what I know until they know that I care,” Higgins said. “I respect the kids and I get respect back.”
Higgins grew up with five siblings in a small town outside of Toledo, Ohio, before moving to DeKalb. He said his parents – his mom was a school teacher – inspired him to pursue a career in education.
“Yes, I had great teachers along the way, but honestly it was my parents,” Higgins said. “My parents were my role models and my best teachers. They were the ones who taught me about life.”
Higgins spent two years during college studying in London and then took a teaching job on the East Coast when he graduated in 1982. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Marie, the couple moved to Naperville in 1987 and he started teaching at Gregory Middle School in Naperville.
He and Marie have two sons, now 22 and 25, that attended Gregory.
We sat down with Higgins to learn more.
Subjects taught: Eighth-grade U.S. history and English/language arts. He also coaches the eighth-grade girls basketball team.
Number of years teaching: 35 years (30 at Gregory)
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Degree: Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? I thought I was going to be a lawyer after doing the eighth-grade career (exploration) event. During my freshman year of college, I changed to teaching and that’s where I have been ever since.
What was your favorite subject in school? Social studies.
What was your least favorite? Probably math, and the irony is that my son is a calculus teacher (at Waubonsie Valley High School).
Who was your favorite teacher when you were a student and why? Al Nielsen of DeKalb High School was a teacher and my gymnastics coach. He was gracious and demanding, and very consistent with all the guys. He knew how to back off when he needed to and was just a really nice man.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a young student? I probably would be more diligent about doing my homework, and most of all, be open to the possibilities.
Did you change as a teacher after becoming a dad? Yes, because you realize there is so much more going on in life than just “my class.” It’s the totality of the student and I think that is really the beauty of this place. My (teaching) style is the social piece, the emotional piece and the academic piece.
Was it hard for your boys having their dad as a teacher in the same school? I think the boys handled it very well. I didn’t have them as a teacher, but we were able to work side-by-side building the sets for the musicals at Gregory. I really enjoyed that.
What’s the best part about being a teacher? When you have that moment and the period is over, and the kids don’t realize the period is over because they have been so engaged. The bell rings and they are surprised. That is one of the best moments.
What do you like to do in the summer? I like to recharge in the summer. If you do teaching right, you are really tired by the end of the year and you need to step away and have some down time. I like to take classes and trips with my boys, go to our cabin and just be with our family.
How have students changed over the years? In some ways they haven’t changed. I think they are still curious, very creative, engaging and very funny. I think what has changed is the advent of technology and how it impresses upon their life.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
Is there a teacher you would like to nominate for a Teacher Feature profile. Send their name and a little information about what makes them a great teacher to [email protected].