Current climate shows value of past lessons

My teaching career offered me the unforgettable opportunity to teach both American history and language arts at Walter Sundling Middle School in Palatine. It was an honor to work with many talented and interested students. I retired in 2006, and what I miss most are the lively discussions about the meanings of our democracy and the pride and stability that our government offered its citizens.

For 7th and 8th graders, I needed to offer examples of what “peaceful transfer of power” and “rule of law” meant. These ideas often seemed vague and maybe unimportant to a group of adolescents who were far more interested in their everyday school life. I tried hard to give them counter examples to bring my point home to them.

I believe it usually worked. If I were standing in that same classroom today, my efforts would be made easier by the current climate of our times. My hope is that my students will not forget their lessons in history.

Jennifer Buehler

Barrington