Hailey Waldo
Reporter@greenepublishing.com
Even though Teacher Appreciation Week is coming to an end, Greene Publishing, Inc. continues to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of local teachers and educators who make a lasting impact on their communities.
At James Madison Preparatory High School (JMPHS), one educator making a lasting impact is Micheal Tolar. Tolar’s path to education was not a straight line, but rather a calling that stayed with him over time. “Life changes, it had always been in my thoughts if the opportunity arose,” Tolar shared. That opportunity eventually led him into the classroom, where he has since taught a wide variety of subjects, including 2D Art and Social Science. His versatility reflects his knowledge and commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them grow.
For Tolar, the most rewarding moments come when students make meaningful connections with what they are learning. “Students who finally understand the subject matter and how it will effect their lives after leaving school,” he said, are what make teaching worthwhile. These breakthroughs, though sometimes hard-earning, are what continue to drive his passion for education.
Like many educators, Tolar acknowledges that teaching comes with its challenges. He points to student apathy as one of the biggest obstacles in today’s classrooms. Despite this, he remains focused on encouraging curiosity and engagement pushing students to think beyond the surface. His goal is not just to teach content, but to help students develop critical thinking skills that will serve them long after they leave school. “Not to accept things at face value, but based on research and knowledge,” he said, describing what he hopes students take away from his classes.
Teacher Appreciation Week holds a deeper meaning for Tolar, serving as a reminder of the importance of recognizing educators’ contributions. “It is the one week out of the year where teachers are hopefully appreciated, and the public realizes that teachers help create the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
When it comes to showing appreciation, Tolar keeps it simple. He believes students can make the biggest impact by showing up, putting in effort and being a positive role model for their peers. These everyday actions, he says, speak louder than words.
Reflecting on his time in the classroom, Tolar finds it impossible to choose just one favorite memory. “Too many to pick just one,” he said.