Class of his own

Maybe the greatest lessons Dave Harding teaches aren't the ones penciled into his planner.

In fact, I'm sure of it.

Thirty nine years after taking the helm of his own classroom, Mr. Harding is in a class all his own. Recently, Mr. Harding was chosen as Teacher for Year for Stark County - it's an award he truly deserves.





Ask nearly anyone at Washington High and I am certain they will tell you the same thing. Mr. Harding is the heart and soul of Washington High School. He has spent each of 39 years at the school and he isn't planning on walking away any time soon.

He couldn't do that. He cares too much.

Before the sun comes up, Mr. Harding is there. He's meeting with kids, preparing them for Academic Challenge meets, helping them develop community service projects and encouraging them to be active leaders in the world around them.

When I spoke with Mr. Harding today about the award he received, he seemed uncomfortable. It's not in his nature to talk about himself. He was eager, instead, to talk about the students. He wanted to tell me about the things that they were learning, the talents they have and the strengths they have fostered - all things he said will allow them to do and be whatever they can dream.

He smiled and said he only opens the door opportunity for them to walk through.

I believe he does much more.

It is true that Massillon students are destined to do great things. The plaques that line the lobby at Washington High detailing the accomplishments of the school's Distinguished Citizens are proof of that. But those alumni accomplishments aren't possible because of anything they have done on their own. When they come back to Massillon, each and every one of them points to a teacher, a community member a friend who inspired them and taught them to believe in themselves and, more importantly, in their dreams.

That's what Mr. Harding does best. And it's what teaching is all about.

Yes, Mr. Harding's class is about learning to appreciate literature, stories and language but what he teaches is faithfulness, sacrifice and humility.

He teaches faithfulness every morning when he arrives at school before the sun comes up to prepare students for Academic Challenge meets or help them develop community service projects. He teaches sacrifice when he gives up his lunch hours or planning periods to meet with students. He teaches humility, simply because he is humble.

I believe whole-heartedly that Mr. Harding is Stark County's Teacher of the Year. His passion for his job and his students is nearly unmatchable. Mr. Harding is truly in his element, when he is surrounded by his students, when he is teaching and changing lives.

The smile on his face says it all.