Mr. B’s Final Trip to the Carter Center
Decatur Metro | March 10, 2012
In his final year as DHS teacher, Chris Billingsley sends in this report/reflection…
Today I took my final field trip to the Jimmy Carter Center and Museum. Seventy students and seven chaperons seem to have enjoyed the experience (including the Varsity for lunch). I took my first trip in the late 80s but my relationship with the Carter Center began to strengthen in the early 90s when the superintendent, Dr. Don Griffith, encouraged teachers to use the Expeditionary Learning model. The Carter Center field trip program that I used today still has many of the core ideas of Expeditionary Learning. Except for time that the Carter Center was being renovated, I brought at least two groups of 70 students per year. There was one year, maybe 1999 or 2000, that I took five trips to the Carter Center.
One of the highlights of all the trips was the time that President Carter spoke to my students after the 9/11 attack. My students were given the chance to ask Carter questions before the national media. It was quite a thrill to see our students stand and ask a question while more that 70 members of the state, national and international press snapped pictures and took video. I hope that the students that attended the final trip today will always remember the words of Jimmy Carter’s high school teacher and principal, Miss Julia Coleman, who regularly told her students, including young Jimmy, that “anyone of you could grow up to be President of the United States”.
Now that I am nearing the end of my career in the classroom, I regret that my students didn’t hear this more often, because I still believe that the United States is where anyone, even a kid from Decatur, Georgia, can grow up to be anything they choose, even President!
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I so wish my daughter Hannah would have been able to have Mr. Billingsley for one of her Decatur High teachers! She starts next year so she’s going to miss out on a wonderful opportunity. It’s been a pleasure to run into “Mr. B” and his students – I’ve seen them at the state Capitol during the Legislative Session, etc. and he even had me come a few times and speak to his students about getting involved in local government. He comes to the City Commission meetings to speak out on issues that concern him so I know he practices what he preaches.
It will be Decatur High’s loss to see him go. I wish him the best.
I went on this trip and enjoyed it so much. I learned a lot about President Carter and was very fascinated by him. I am glad I went on this trip. I know I am lucky because it was the last trip for Mr.Billingsley, and I am honored to be one of his last students to go on the trip. I want to thank him for all he has done through his years of teaching. I am sad to see him go, but I wish him well in his retirement. He has earned it.
+ 1 million.
I so hope that Mr. B can stay involved in CSD through volunteering with the Close Up Club, student community service, substitute teaching, whatever.
And…..Mr. B needs to run for School Board! While I don’t think Mr. B shares my partisan politics, for School Board, it would be nice to have someone fresh from the teaching trenches, with a focus on students, the teachers serving them, and community and parent involvement. It would be the culmination of a career in Civics/Government/Social Studies!
Great idea! Mr. B for School Board +1 …..but only if it’s his heart’s desire
I feel fortunate that one of my children has been able to have Mr. B as a teacher. The energy and passion he brings to DHS is simply amazing. I don’t think that a day goes by that my son does not comment on government & it’s role. I may have to do some extra work to keep up with all his insightful thoughts! Thanks!
Mr. B. is one of the most honest, hard working members of this teaching community. Chris will teach any child with a heart that is open to listen. He caters to those willing to learn, pushes all children to go farther than they think they can go. He is one of the greats.
First of all, anybody who gets up every morning and voluntarily spends the day under the same roof with several hundred adolescents is starting off with mega points. So grateful for those who are willing to do it and do it well. Bon voyage, Mr. Billingsley!
Mr. Billingsley is an amazing teacher to students, other teachers, and us parents. I have had the opportunity to work with him and his Civics students at “service days” for more than five years at our local nature preserve. To witness his energy and committment first hand is an inspiration. If anyone deserves to follow his heart’s dream in retirement, it his him. Selfishly, I hope that dream has something to with Decatur. Thank you Mr. B for years of service to our children and our City. I hope for many more encounters!
I’ll say it one more time. I don’t have kids and don’t plan to have kids any time soon. But, in the off chance that I end up with a child at some point, I hope that someone jumps on the task of compiling a legally binding petition to prevent Mr. B from retiring! If that doesn’t pan out, God bless you in all endoeavors, Chris, you deserve it!
I’ll sign!