Growing up, many kids dream of becoming President of the United States, an astronaut, a rockstar, or even a mad scientist. It isn’t all too common for kids to dream of becoming a teacher, considering most kids dislike school at a young age. Little Ted was just like any other kid; he didn’t dream of becoming a teacher. However, he did enjoy school once he entered the First Grade, attributing his love for school to his love for his teachers. Interestingly enough, when he was in high school, our beloved History teacher absolutely hated the very subject he now teaches to us. Dr. Arrington had a passion for German above all else in high school. Knowing all of this, you may wonder how did Dr. Arrington get to where he is at now: S203, teaching history to high school students.
When Dr. Arrington went to school, he decided to go into the field of business. He got his MBA and immediately went into the business world fresh from college. It wasn’t until his forties that he looked into teaching. He had been in business his entire adult life, but found that he desired a career with more stability. Based on the results of a few aptitude tests, he realized what he loved most about his previous career was teaching others. It was this realization that prompted him to go back to school and get his master’s in education. While earning his master’s, he discovered his passion for history. Originally he thought he would teach at the college level; instead, he ended up here, with us. Why stop with a Master’s when you could get a doctorate?
Dr. Arrington always knew he wanted a doctorate. However, just like most people, the timing was never right. A family man, Dr. Arrington took care of his wife and her parents. When his mother-in-law passed away, he felt the push he needed. His wife looked at him one day and said it was now or never.
“I thought to myself, in three years I could be Ted Arrington with a doctorate or I could be Ted Arrington without a doctorate,” he recalled.
He made his decision and the journey began. After three long years of late nights, rushed work, and constant responsibility, we have Dr. Arrington.
One wonders if it feels different being a doctor.
“Yeah, well for one, people call me doctor, which is weird,” Arrington said. “I do feel more accomplished and as though people view me differently.”
Looking back on the experience to becoming Dr. Arrington, he said if he had to do it all over again he would, but, just like most people, he may do it differently. Regardless, we’re glad to have him.
