Others take on instructor's role for annual Teach-In
Students spent the day learning what professionals do while on the job.
By MARY SPICUZZA
Published November 17, 2005
Ed Winddancer admits that, on many days, he likes to wear sneakers.
But on Wednesday, he faced a group of students gathered in the Hudson Middle School gymnasium wearing a porcupine headdress and face paint - tools, he said, Nanticoke Indian warriors once used to frighten away their enemies.
"There is nothing more dear to my heart than my culture," Winddancer said. "And I'm going to share it with you."
He played flute and performed traditional dance. He also urged the students to respect their elders, one another, and become involved in their communities - values he learned growing up as a Nanticoke.
Winddancer was one of about 15 people who visited the school Wednesday as part of the Great American Teach-In.
All Pasco County schools participated in this year's Teach-In. The event has been sponsored by Progress Energy since 1994.
It invited community members to share information about their profession or hobby with students.
"I hope they get a realistic feel for what is involved in a career, skills training," said Marcy Maxwell, Wesley Chapel High School's career specialist. "What people actually do on the job."
Wesley Chapel hosted more than 20 presenters from a variety of disciplines, including military recruiters, a baker and a loan officer who did mock loan applications with students.
A bankruptcy court employee even spoke with students about how to avoid bankruptcy.
Last year, about 1,600 presenters participated in Pasco County's Teach-In, according to district staff members.
Numbers of participants were not yet available for this year's event.
Many students said the Teach-In inspired them to plan their careers.
"I'm going to be a crocodile hunter," Kevin Powell, 5, said.
Mary Spicuzza covers education in Pasco County. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6241 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6241. Her e-mail address is mspicuzza@sptimes.com
Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.
