Eddie Rivers: Teacher & Coach

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW BY KIMBERLY RIVERS

Getting Started

Enjoyed studying history and psychology in college (Francis Marion University)

Also enjoyed helping coach a high school football team

Decided to combine his interests and be a teacher/coach

Job opening at his high school

Classes/Teams Over the Years

World History, American History, World War I, World War 2, Psychology and Sociology classes

Has coached football, basketball, volleyball, and softball

Dedication

Eddie taught at the same high school (Forest Hills in Marshville) for 30 years, and retired just last year

He was honored by his colleagues and friends for his dedication and passion for what he did

He was sad but satisfied

Favorite Things About the Job

He enjoyed teaching others about subjects he loved

He enjoyed coaching others in sports he loved

He loved high school students

He loved making thousands of friends and memories

Least Favorite Things About the Job

Working with unenthusiastic students

Eating cafeteria food for his entire life

Seeing students not reach their full potential

Staff meetings

Combining Interests

Some of Eddie’s favorite things are sports, playing guitar, and his religion, and he was able to use all of his talents in these fields during his time at Forest Hills

Coached something all 30 years. Was a state-wide coach of the year in 2013.

Played guitar for his classes, hosted a guitar club

Active sponsor of the FCA at school

Final Thoughts

Eddie recommended that if someone wants to be a teacher, they should do it. He thinks America needs more passionate and dedicated teachers to help create passionate and dedicated students.