At Erving Elementary School, most of us knew we were in a special place, a school where teachers counted and could be trusted to reach kids where they were. To stretch comprehension and expand boundaries of life, to share joys and frustrations, achievements and challenges, were all part of the job. Each had our own contributions to make, and some stood out as inspiration, as leaders, as mentors. Mike DiBari was a consummate teacher in all he did.
I came to Erving in 1974 as a student teacher in classroom teaching, one day a week. I had been looking for a classroom job, but was turned down because I “lacked experience” despite having taught for three years. So I did a special study course and went into the classroom. I was still teaching music on the other days, but found so many frustrations that I thought I would be happier as a classroom teacher. Serendipitously I found myself working with 5/6 grade teacher Mike DiBari, who gave me respect for my choice and direction for my goals.
Mike was creative, full of wry humor and deep caring and trust for kids. He taught me how to formulate questions for the novels kids read in the language arts program, gave me free rein to create a video for the math group I had, and gave wonderful feedback for my work. He wasn’t afraid to have fun; one of my fondest memories is his portrayal as the villain when his class did a dramatic presentation of “Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang.” He knew the Erving families well, understood where they came from and had high expectations for where they might go. And go, they did.
Growing from a town where few parents had education beyond high school to a population that had bigger ideas of what was possible, Mike DiBari influenced many. When Mike chose to leave teaching to go into business, we were saddened and missed him deeply. While admiring Mike’s success, it was undeniable that teaching had lost a leader. Now, with Mike’s passing, it is good to remember those shining moments, a place some of us still think of as a Camelot.
Emily Samuels lives in Gill.