From Nigeria to America: A Glimpse into Mr. Anthony’s Journey

// A Blog by Michelle Lee

Last week, Rosie shared about one of the students at Avalon High School. This past week, I had the privilege of interviewing one of our teachers, Mr. Anthony. I would like to share with you his unique journey in becoming an English teacher and the words of advice he has for those who are pursuing a career in teaching.

In 1996, Mr. Anthony came to the United States. Born and raised in Nigeria, Mr. Anthony had quite a different educational experience than that of American students. While the common language was English, he shared with me how each student was especially invested in their education because their parents paid for schooling, as well as textbooks and other materials. Thus, he and his peers in Nigeria learned to really value education because it didn’t come easy, and it didn’t come free. After spending some time in England as an adult, he came to the States and did social work in the Inland Empire. He also acquired his teaching credential in English and began subbing at Avalon High School. But as he got to know Ms. Awtry (principal of Avalon), and the mission of the school, he accepted a full-time teaching position and has taught at Avalon for six years now.

Every Monday, the tutors and I have been working with Mr. Anthony to help students pass the CAHSEE. But Mr. Anthony’s interactions with the students are not limited to checking and grading. As I’ve observed his gentle teaching methods, Mr. Anthony always seems to know the skill level of each student and the kind of improvement he/she needs most. He has demonstrated true involvement in their work. Effective and invested teaching methods, however, are not immediately acquired. He shared with me that the key to effective teaching is patience. Not only do you have to be patient if students are acting up or losing focus, but you must also be patient and resilient throughout the entire teaching process because sometimes the impact does not show until much later. Mr. Anthony expressed that some students would come back months or years after they have graduated to show him their thanks for the impact he made on their lives while they were at Avalon. And surprisingly, the students who didn’t show any emotion or change while enrolled in school often came back the most grateful. He encourages future teachers to keep trying with every student because even if they don’t show signs of change or breakthrough, they may be experiencing it all internally.

Certainly, Avalon high school is lucky to have a teacher who cares about students beyond their grade or performance. Mr. Anthony is a quality example of someone who is rewarded by the intrinsic value of teaching, a payoff that never fails to motivate and encourage. We look forward to a successful semester with him. A big thanks to all the teachers out there who, like Mr. Anthony, have a tender heart for the students.