Golden Apple: Tommy Behr
Edgefield, S.C. (WJBF)
Tommy Behr teaches U.S. History and the Constitution at Strom Thurmond High School. Interesting and important subjects for sure, but not the first path he chose.
“I absolutely love to read,” Behr says. “I was an English teacher for 13-years. I was asked to teach History. And I was very happy to accept the opportunity.”
Mr. Behr is able to help today’s kids connect to events that happened long ago.
“I think most students want to know something about why things are the way they are.”
And he knows when they get it. When the light bulb comes on.
“We can tell with engagement. We can tell when kids ask questions. And when kids ask deep, probing questions you know you’ve done something right.”
Mr. Behr served in the United States Navy. He’s able to bring some of his military skills into the classroom.
“I think what the Navy taught me was to be prepared. The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared”, or “Do A Good Turn Daily” for the slogan. And the military, you’ve got to be prepared. So as a generalization, most of the students would tell you they’re prepared to come in. They know their expectations. I’m prepared to try to teach and work with them.”
And when he’s not leading his classes, he’s leading the Mock Trial team.
“Mock Trial is a program that teaches young people some basic elements of the courtroom. They receive a case that they have to read and analyze, and reread and reanalyze again and again and again. They have to know their parts. They have to know their roles. It is a team effort. There is no single young person who is in it on their own.”
And he needs that team behind him as he follows in the footsteps of a Mock Trial legend.
“Denise Jackson ran this program for 40-years. Won unheard of state championships.”
And just like Ms. Jackson, Tommy Behr is shaping the leaders of tomorrow. He works hard to make sure these students have every opportunity to succeed.
“I can feel that every single day I put in a good faith effort,” Behr says. “I can live with myself that I’ve been able to work with great young people in a great school district. And I go home generally happy at the end of the day.”
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