One of the assignments I most liked giving to my students was the Verbal Portrait Gallery. They were to choose at least five people who seemed special in some way. What did they look like? What made them interesting? Why did you choose them?
The students loved the assignment. They dug in. Most wrote about their families. Some chose sports heroes, or political leaders, or favorite musicians, or close friends. Some insightfully wrote about themselves. Many students, once they got started and found they surprised themselves by realizing things they had taken for granted, asked if they could do more than five people. They had taken control of the assignment, were eager, wanted to keep the finished product and take it home.
Many of them wrote about teachers. With the student’s permission, I’d pass a copy of the verbal portrait to the person in question. That produced a network of good will.
I had Honors and AP classes, and “regular” “average” classes, and proficiency classes for the lowest of the low. I loved teaching literature, American, British, World. I loved challenging students to the college level. I also took the greatest satisfaction in reaching students who were falling into the abyss and might not graduate. I pulled them up and out, they graduated into life, many into college. I keep saying it was the system that was failing, not the students.
Many of the students wrote about me. I guess I should have expected that. It was not my cunning plan to fish for compliments, and the students knew they could joke with me and be serious at the same time.
A good classic example of student banter, I suspect as a way of getting back at me for the bad jokes I was apparently famous for inflicting on my students, is this response to a question on a Folder Check asking to review the work done and list “Mistakes I have corrected”:
Ah, don now. I veri seldum mak mistaks.
The verbal portraits can be fun to read, are instructive, show students struggling, not only to put their ideas into words, but to figure out just what their ideas are. The portraits show again examples of a teacher/student relationship of mutual respect that allows students to learn to be themselves, to care about learning, to care about the things worth caring about.
And also, dear reader, for you to learn more about me. To see how students struggle with such literal things as appearance, for instance, my apparently famous pony tail, which I only wore so I wouldn’t have to think about my hair, and saved the cost of periodic trips to the barber.
I’ve tried to preserve and present the mistakes of spelling and grammar, and the flaunted vocabulary. These are papers the way the students wrote them.
MR. GARY STERLING
His sterling long hair signifies years of knowledge. He has a mesmerizing look with those big sometimes scary eyes, a mustache covering his lip his small ears a noticeable forehead come together forming a very familiar face. He is Mr. Sterling a teacher at Marshall High School one that has a great impact on his students.
His speeches are full of life since he takes different personalities and becomes strange characters. He takes a story and adds his own personal touch to it. He is a professional in what he does and enjoys every bit of it. He is always on the bright side but sometimes he does get angry and we totally understand. He would give us a speech if we haven’t done our work and a painful speech that would be short but painful one that brings shame and a busy mind upon us.
Mr. Sterling does a lot for his students and they know it very well and do appreciate it. He counts on us leaving us free with no chains but to use that freedom and come up with a meaningful product for him to read and correct, preparing us for the future that comes right after high school.
I would never forget the field trip he organized for us to visit Pepperdine College. It was a beautiful day where there came a point when he was torn to choose between going back to the College for the few students who wanted that and staying at the beach as the others and I wanted. To keep all of us happy and so taking into consideration the time that was left he made the perfect decision. That is where the famous starfish story rose.
Mr. Sterling is aware of everything that goes on, making sure we are aware and do understand his thoughts and expectations. I am so happy to have known such motivated true teacher. THANK YOU.
A Unique Teacher
This person resembles somehow of Albert Einstein. Could it be because of the looks or the brains. I don’t know. I have learned under several English teachers up to this point but have never met a teacher quite like this one. You can say he is sort of weird but a very humorous and intelligent. Yet very understanding. Because of my tight schedule and susceptibility to cold and fever I frequently missed school and therefore missing many assignments. Unlike other mean-looking teachers he would always listen to my situation and lets me turn in the work late.
When you first take a look at this person you’d think that he is not an English teacher, a mad scientist maybe. He has a great talent and skills in interpreting a piece of work, whether it is an old or modern story or a poem. He especially likes discussing about poems and their authors. He always gives us good notes on stories through good lectures. Gotta admit that on very hot days no matter how good the lecture was I always tended to fall asleep. This teacher is someone apart from the rest of teachers that give us worksheets and have a test next week. He wants us to expand our verbal and communicating skills. And most of all his recommendation letter was far superior to even what my counselor has written for me.
Can you guess who it is?
Mr. G. Sterling
From what I think he is, he’s quite a very good teacher. Now, I did a lot of work from him and I think he is the greatest. He’s now teaching English for Seniors all the time, one class for the Juniors, and one class for the Sophomores. Mr. Sterling is almost like a Santa Claus, exceptional with his ponytail. Maybe he wants it that way. The way that this guy talks was a bit deep and a way to looking through me when I converse is seemed to be fine with me. His way of talking to other people is relatively kind and caring. His inspirations devoted his life over the years he teached here in Marshall.
My point of view of him is that he will be able to continue his goal as teacher here at Marshall. He’s done an impressive work; well, at least he got his hands way full. Even though his desk is full of papers to check in and out, I bet he can handle that for the next two days. Just kidding! Anyway, his way of relating to other people of saying, for example, “Nice work, Doctor.” He says it not all the time, but you get the idea at least.
The reason why I chose him to write about is that because of his expression of his work made me very impressed. He’s very kind to the people that he know, and if needed help from his students. I think of him as the best ever.
Mr. Gary Sterling
I have been acquainted with Mr. Gary Sterling for approximately two years now yet I feel to have known him my entire life. He’s the kind of caring person who would provide all the time in the world for his students. He is also very understanding and has a strong burning desire for teaching.
I consider myself very lucky to be mentored by a teacher so wonderful and so caring as Mr. Sterling. If it wasn’t for Mr. Sterling, I wouldn’t have won the essay contest that I did or perhaps have been accepted to the university of my choice, as I did. You see, Mr. Sterling not only teaches, he gives his students reason to learn.
Above all this, Mr. Sterling’s caring nature shines through. He often sits with his students during his own time to talk, advise, or help them in any way. He often offers to help students with other subject assignments, he is usually designated editor for various reports and term papers. All this he does with real pleasure and enthusiasm, which reflects how much he wants his students to succeed.
Mr. Sterling is well known across the school campus for his unique ties with the senior class. He is senior class and CSF Advisor and he takes great part in his students’ lives. I find Mr. Sterling to be a very influential person, he certainly has influenced me in my high school career. He has helped me with school, work, college, and life in general, advising me to be strong and never give up (although a “weasel” I am). I have most importantly enjoyed his conversation about college – his own college days, college days of his former students, etc.
In a few months, I, along with my fellow high school classmates, will begin attending college. I have chosen to attend University of California, Riverside, where I hope to study business. Although UC Riverside was not my first choice of university I wanted to attend, I feel it to be a good choice because its ground was at one time, walked on by the wise Gary Sterling, and I sure hope to follow his footsteps to overall success!
The first person I am going to describe is Mr. Sterling. Mr. Sterling is a bright man, he brings out the best in his students and inspires everyone he encounters. I am describing Mr. Sterling for my Verbal Portrait Gallery, because he acknowledges me as a slacker, and because I want to kiss up to him.
Mr. Sterling stands proud at an estimated five feet, seven inches. He has long grayish brown hair, that shows his wisdom with each and every gray hair. He has pale, yet tanned skin, and authoritative brow line, and strong cheek bones. He stands before everyone with stature and grace, walks with a stride that can only be described as “The Sterling Walk.” He talks with an almost bourgeoise tone, yet is a very down to earth man.
Mr. Sterling is many things, but what he is most, is a humanitarian. He puts in countless hours at school, trying to help his pupils augment their skills in English. Not only does he tell you what to do, he shows you as well, for he is not a hypocrite and he does not set double standards. His teaching style is unique for this day and age, for he actually teaches. Since he is a gentle man, I have not seen his angry side, but I know that if you cross him he can show. Even though his jokes are mediocre, to say the most, they still make chuckle. Whether the chuckles are out of pity, I am not one to judge, for all of his jokes are great to me.
Mr. Sterling was not aware of the extent of my slackerism when we first met, but grew accustom to it as the year progressed. He did not shun nor ridicule me like other teachers did, but he did label me. The label he gave me was one I enjoyed more than anything, he labeled me a slacker. I know he must have a field day with me being a slacker, for it gives him many opportunities to make jokes.
I am writing the V.P.G. of you Mr. Sterling, because you are my hero, you are the wind beneath my wings and you are everything I wish I could be. The other reason I am writing this is because you have truly been an inspiration to me. You always find something good to say about my work, when we both know deep down inside you find it rather appalling. This V.P.G. is my memorial to you and your excellence.
VPG
My teacher
Mr. Sterling
Sex: Male
Hair: Black and white
Eyes: Blue
Ht: 5’6
Wt: Too much
Age: old enough
Looks like.- Now this guy he is one of the most interest people I have ever meet. And I was lucky to meet him and happy that he was my teacher. Because he is an inspiring person he has inspire me in a lot of thing like college and English. He is a teacher and teaches at John Marshall high school in Pasadena. He teaches 11th and 12th grade English. He is very funny person but also a very serious person. He is nice and very cool.
He look like one of those dudes from the 60’s that go to a peter frampton concert. He has white and Blk hair it is long and tide at the back. His size is cool his about 5.8 or 5.7 I don’t know I never measured the guy. But his weight is about I still don’t know because I never weighed him but I say 150-160 pound maybe.
The reason I wrote about him is because I want a good grade and I have to kiss up. (just kidding)(not about the grade But). He really is interesting to me and very funny.
Mr. Sterling!!!!!!!!
I never thought I would say this about a teacher because I never really liked them and have never gotten along with them. Maybe it’s because I was such a trouble maker that I always got on their bad side. But I knew from the start that he was going to treat me as an individual and not as a mental retard. I’ve heard of him as a great teacher because so many people have said pleasant remarks about him. I thought the exaggeration was a big part of how I felt of him as a teacher. But as soon as I walked into his classroom I knew that everything was going to be alright. The thing that got me hyped was the fact that I would not start with an “F” which I had prior to going into his class. I never thought that a teacher would show so much concern for me. But now that I know how great real teachers can be, I know that maybe in the future I’ll get someone who tries to be my friend like he has. But I don’t think anyone can do that because he has been the teacher to try to make me succeed. Everyone has one teacher who inspires them so much that it make them want to go to college. And everyone of these small talks with him makes me feel closer to him and feel more relaxed as he tries to make me understand what life is about. If it wasn’t for this great teacher that I have then I would probably be lost in this world were it is hard to do something productively for a living without going to college. But after all of our small little talks I feel like I am the smartest person in the world and no one can make me feel any better than he does. He makes me feel all tingly inside as he makes me feel special. Like if there is something in life worth working for. Before I walked into that classroom I thought that I was a nobody, but he changed all of that and made life worth living. Everyday now that I walk through those doors I feel something magical just come out from the air inside of me as I do all of my work as inspiring as I can. Now that I look back I realize that walking through that door was the best move I’ve ever made and the best one I’ll ever make. It seems like if I walked through the door of Life. And it’s showed me the true meaning of life. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “Mr. Sterling is the greatest inspiration of my life,” (except for my grandfather). Well in regards to Mr. Sterlings teaching career I hope he inspires a lot more students like he has done to me. And that’s why I dedicate this entire report to him. And let me just add that I went through a lot to do this report and I tried my best. Just like I do on everyone of his assignments.
Mr. Sterling
(I’ve tried to start about five times already; I think I’ve finally realized how difficult this is going to be.)
I have so much to say about this person, but I can honestly admit I am at a loss of words, and equally fearful that whatever I say will not evoke the greatness that this person deserves.
From his incisive eyes, and euphoric voice emanates pure unabated knowledge and passion to teach. Never had I found myself actually listening, (this may seem quite insignificant – if you didn’t know that I NEVER LISTEN) wanting to understand and actually taking part in class discussions. His wisdom is astounding and incessantly admirable. I have no doubt that he has been a monumental influence in the lives of many. I could delve further into his brilliance, but I would then risk overshadowing that which is equally a part of him.
I remember first seeing this individual pretending to play a violin and about to choke a student….truthfully….I didn’t know what to think. I was in middle school and accustomed to the student-teacher relationship of inferior-superior, never did I imagine that there could exist another form of communication between the two.
Never before this year, had I ever seen a teacher who cares so much about his students. He listens, he gives advice, he worries – Mr. Sterling is a friend. He can be seen in the halls or in his room always with his students. He is always ready to listen to whatever problem we may have as well as to our meager complaints, and always ready to offer advice; never doubt that he will do all in his power to help you. I continued he would personally settle matters. Well, I don’t know if he actually physical (or mentally, hmmmmmmmm) intervened but shortly after talking to him the sub. stopped hassling me and shortly afterward was replaced.
As many years before I had seen him symbolically attempt to strangle a student, I have now myself been a victim of his preoccupation. This man cares, he goes beyond teaching and assigning, he thinks about us, he encourages us, he worries. Many times he’s told me that he’s worried – worries about me! – “Where is your work?”, “Have you at least started?”, “How are your plans for college going?” WOW:) (I’d like to apologize – for my procrastination – it has always been a problem….but I do intend to keep my promise, to combat it next year – next year it will be completely conquered:)*Note: I also wanted to confide how honored I was when you said I reminded you of yourself; even though it was for our similar procrastination).
Never before have my opinions been given importance and been taken seriously; never has someone’s encouragement meant so much to me; never have I believed in myself more, than when you did (if only my father believed in me a 1/10 of what you do….ahhhhh…). Thank you, Mr. Sterling – and I feel I can speak for many – thank you for listening, for helping and for caring, that has made all the difference.
(Mr. Sterling)
My English Teacher
My English teacher is an important role model to me. He lets me know where my mistakes exist in grammar. He is one of the very few teachers that can make me feel appreciated when I turn in my unperfect assignments. Though there not perfect the effort still matters to him.
He is about 5’10 & 172 lbs. He has a mustache and dresses casual. He has a pony tail that extends until the top of his back. He has a normal figure; hes not fat and not thin.
He has been a positive role model not only to myself, but to my other peers as well. I defenitly encourage other students to get to know him if they can’t have him as their instructor.
Mr. Sterling
As many may underestimate his wisdom and professionalism, he is quite the exemplarary. His full head of grey hair pulled back into his distinguished ponytail, prove his casual nature but not obscuring his cultured, knowledgeable mind.
Mr. Sterling, often pink, with his grey mustache continuously speaks with humor more often, but also with seriousness, and sometimes even dissaprovingly. Never is it done insolently, rather with a deep concern. He always wears his white tennis shoes, probably making his life all the more easier for him. He stands and speaks perpetually, stopping here and there to give a side note or question a concept or to probe a student. He can though, put you to sleep, if its one of those days you’re merely distracted or not in the mood to focus.
He once said, “I think I’m impressed, oh wait, I am! I am very impressed.” He is of great support, his jokes sometimes not real funny, still manage to make you chuckle. He’s got a great spirit which will keep him healthy and happy forever.
I’m not going to try to decipher his exclusive peculiarities. It’s not important, it’s the fact that without him he wouldn’t be Mr. Sterling. His mind is powerful, exemplifying true intellect and experience. He has presented diverse and broad themes and ideas through a number of plays, poems, novels, etc. I have truly enjoyed English. Mr. Sterling, thank you.
Of the many personalities that I have analyzed, Gary Sterling was one of the most difficult to decipher. In fact I am still in the process of attempting to complete this task.
Mr. Sterling’s physical makeup is interesting, perhaps deliberately so. He is of somewhat average height (which he can’t control, I think), and average build (which he perhaps can control to some extent). He doesn’t have a recognizable paunch, nor does excess fat seem present on him. The latter characteristics suggest that Mr. Sterling is a man who does (or did) at least a moderate amount of exercise. He has blue eyes which change their message frequently. Sometimes they appear to harbour depth. This may occur even when my 12th grade English teacher is joking or “being silly.” Sometimes they are shielded so you know not what is hidden behind them. At times the eyes may appear smiling. At others mocking. Mr. Sterling’s face utilizes its inner abilities to a good extent. He can shuffle expressions around quickly, leaving the reader of such things to decide which expressions are “real” and which are not. There is the serious, concentrating look; the joking look(s), the polite look. That famous series of looks which I have come to recognize as half serious half joking. A joke in which Sterling places some truth and either hopes you get it or laughs inside at the fact that he had some truth in his jokes. Sterling’s hair is sometimes the focus of attention of people who just encounter him. It has a color that reminds me of silver crystals mixed with either the color of the shadow, or a few strands of “real” hair. It appears that his straight hair was once black but it’s hard to tell exactly. The thing about Mr. Sterling’s hair that grabs the attention is its length and maybe the ways in which it’s arranged. Mr. Sterling’s hair is worn in a ponytail. The length ranges from almost waist length to just below the shoulder. Early in the morning this hair is usually neatly arranged in its ponytail. Later, if the hair is relatively long (almost to the waist) it may become disheveled. The ponytail holder always remains on the hair but strands of hair may move upward and begin to fold a bit. This produces a kind of frame around his head thus making his face seem wider and shorter. This interesting phenomena usually occurs before lunch. The hair may be back in place after lunch. The above described occurance seems unique when Mr. Sterling’s hair is long (relatively).
The sum of all of Mr. Sterling’s physical characteristics produces a whole that is amiable. He seems to utilize all of his abilities to change his appearance rapidly, in relatively short periods of time. This leads some of us to see Mr. Sterling as ‘a man of many faces.’ There is more to Sterling’s tendancy to vary others view of himself, however. This ability also reaches into his outward personality.
Mr. Sterling once told me that he is a shy person. I was incredulous. I later realized that this may indeed be true. For Mr. Gary Sterling has constructed a complete system of personal barricades which are difficult to see past. This difficulty is due partially to the fact that the barricades are in layers. It is also because some of these are like mazes. He is not at all deceitful. The barricades Mr. Sterling constructs are parts of his true self. It is simply difficult to construct a whole out of the parts that you get. This is what makes Mr. Sterling so interesting, his atypical nature.
Mr. Sterling is quite knowledgable and intelligent. (Those are two different qualities, I should emphasize). He is interested, it seems in many subject areas and he has an interesting collection of knowledge. He knows quite a lot about literature and, from my point of view he is fairly good at language. Mr. Sterling also knows his way around the sciences. This makes sense since he informed us that he once decided to be a physics major but switched, instead, to English. He rarely gives one a straight answer when asked a question and as a result you walk away either learning nothing, or as is the case more often than not, learning more than you intended to. Mr. Sterling also is quite concerned with, or aware of, our society and the social behavior (or antisocial behavior) of mankind himself. Because of his knowledge and intelligence, I enjoy those discussions that I sometimes have with Mr. Sterling. He seems openly reluctant to discuss social or political issues but sometimes I’m lucky to be allowed to see his viewpoints.
One of Mr. Sterling’s habits is to blatantly flatter people. I have been the victim of this on many occasions. There is a lot that can be learned about Mr. Sterling through this flattery, though. He is an excellent reader of personality types. (either that or I’m as simple as a book). He constantly surprises me with what he is able to learn about my personality. This way that Mr. Sterling has of throwing out flattery at people seems to be one of his shields. I don’t know whether it’s deliberate or not. Nevertheless it serves to focus the victim’s attention away from Mr. Sterling, to himself, or herself. I guess there is some virtue (although Mr. Sterling should, by no means, be encouraged) in this. Since he is able to find things about you that would not be readily noticed, it does help the self esteem. When I first met Mr. Sterling I thought that he was somewhat serious and smart. I found out that my teacher is not always serious but he is indeed smart. I proceeded to fall for the stereotype that any smart person must be, of course, a nerd or a former nerd. I suspect that that was one of the greatest mistakes I made about Mr. Sterling. It seems that he lived life in a “normal way” from a young age. His face if one looks carefully, tells us that Mr. Sterling might have been quite a “weasel” or a rascal, and still is. This is conformed by stories proudly told by Gary Sterling, about his colorful childhood.
One of Mr. Sterling’s infamous characteristics is his sense of humor. He enjoy playing with words. This results in excruciating puns, which I reluctantly admit, are well constructed. He also jokes about people. In each of his jokes, as I mentioned, one can usually discover a nugget of truth. I can only speculate about this. Maybe Mr. Sterling is reluctant or unwilling to openly say some of the things that are hidden in jokes. Maybe, like some good writers, he enjoys being subtle about messages he sends. He probably half hopes that someone sees his hidden message, although he enjoys the fact that what he has to say is cleverly concealed. Perhaps Mr. Sterling is not aware of this habit and the above reason doesn’t even apply. I can only guess.
It seems to me that this remarkable teacher is semi-cynnical but not utterly pessimistic. He notices things and seems wary of religion (and maybe, to some extent the intentions of the government). I truly hope he has not completely given up hope of making even more of a difference. Some of what he notices (the various social aspects that affects us all) can be changed by him. Mr. Sterling is just one man. But there are quite a few people that see things his way. (not to mention his multiple personalities).
Mr. Sterling is a simple yet intelligent man. The key to understanding him is to simply listen to him (this can be difficult during class) and see things his way whether you agree with it or not. A student may not always agree with the teacher but there are many things that may be learned otherwise.
Keep up the good work, Mr. Sterling. And don’t “get old.”
Discover more from Gary C. Sterling
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