So here's the story.
3 years ago I walked out of a movie theater and ran into the teacher that changed my life. I wrote the following piece about it the next day and posted it. It was 2021. I found that piece on an old hard drive today, and thought I would post it again here. Anyone who's been lucky enough to have a great teacher can appreciate it, I think.
It's been 50 years since I was in his class. FIFTY. And I still think of him, and am thankful for him every day. THAT'S the impact of a great teacher. This is for Mr Tom Alberghini.
Here's what I wrote -
A Teacher Who Made All The Difference...
I walked out of a movie theater today, and ran into a man that changed my life.
It was 1974, and I was in the 7th grade in Somersworth NH. I, like most kids that age, was stuck in the midst of trying to figure out who I was, or more so – who I wanted to be. It was such a tough age, being torn by the unspoken need of wanting to be “cool”, while struggling with the painful realization that I wasn’t. Not even close.
I wasn’t shy, and I wasn’t quiet, but I always felt like I was on the outside looking in on everything. I realize now, of course- that every kid feels the exact same way at that age – whether they admit it or not.
When you are that age, however, you think you’re alone in that struggle.
Enter my 7th grade English and Social Studies teacher, Mr. Tom Alberghini.
At that stage of my childhood, teachers frequently told me I talked too much. I know, surprise, right? Mr. Alberghini was no different. (“That mouth is going to get you in trouble some day, Mr. Kretschmar!”) And while I was intimidated by him at first, I knew I liked him right away. He was strict when needed, but funny, and – although I couldn’t have identified it as this then – he was warm. He was human, and it showed in the way he joked with you, or the way he’d pat you on the shoulder with a smile. He was the first teacher that treated me like a person and not a kid.
I’ve thought a lot about that over the years; how I went into that year trying to be something or someone I wasn’t. All I cared about was being accepted, by friends, and by everybody. And as the year unfolded, I began realizing that I had found what I was looking for – from a teacher I respected, and liked. It stemmed from the way he treated me. The way he encouraged me, talked to me, and taught me. It was the first time I felt that just being myself, was good enough. The confidence he instilled in me made me realize I didn’t have to pretend to be something I wasn’t. And while I did realize that at the time, it’s significance has only grown through the years.
Don’t get me wrong, I was a kid, and there were times when I drew his ire. But he taught me that, while respect is given, it is better earned. If you make a mistake, own it, learn from it, and move on. It was one of the many lessons I learned in 1974.
As I sit here tonight, I doubt he realized the difference he was making in my life back then. I think it’s just who he is. It comes naturally to him. It’s his gift. And I would bet he’s given the same thing to thousands of students before and since. It is what every teacher hopes to do, I would imagine. They teach more than what’s in books. They teach life. Everyday. And most often – don’t get recognized enough for it.
I’ve had many great teachers throughout the years, and I value them all. But if you were to ask me who the best teacher I ever had was, the answer is simple: Mr. Alberghini.
It’s been 42 years since I was in his class, and today was the first time I’ve ever called him by his first name. It felt weird doing that. Calling him “Mr. Alberghini” through the years was my way of showing respect. And although it felt weird to me - he just laughed and gave me that huge grin.
’ll never be able to thank him enough for doing something that came so naturally to him, but he had a major impact on me. And my story is one of thousands, I’m sure. It’s astounding to think about, really. He’s still teaches part time nowadays, and I’m sure he’s still quietly making a difference. No fanfare, no accolades.
That’s always been his way.
When we hugged goodbye, I told him I loved him.
That didn’t feel weird, because it’s true.
Thank you Mr. Alberghini. Thanks for being you.
Greg Kretschmar
(the photo is of me with Tom & Linda Alberghini)