What is the measure of a man? What is a life well lived? I have often thought about those questions, and with John Aceti’s help, I had the opportunity to explore them through John’s amazing life. Spry and vibrant at 93, I met John after he had published his 7th book in 92. As I got to know him and his life story, I wanted him to share his amazing and inspiring journey beginning in Niagara Falls in the 1930s to his current life in the Hill Country of Texas. Overcoming a humiliating incident at age 8, John was the first in his family to go to college, served in the Air Force, became a teacher and the principal, and retired from his first career. In his second career, he and his wife traveled internationally and ended up in Kerrville, Texas, where John began another career as an author. Join me on this fascinating journey From Last to First with John Aceti.
Join host Tom Fox in this exciting podcast episode as he chats with guest John Aceti, a former principal with a wealth of educational experience. John talks about the challenges he faced as a principal in Oley, New York, and how he managed to improve the education system in the school despite the need for more structure and continuity. He also discusses his experience evaluating teachers and walking the halls of schools, sharing his belief that most teachers do a great job, but some shouldn’t be teaching. John also highlights the importance of good teaching and classroom management and his involvement in an international program to Argentina organized through the Rotary Club.
Don’t miss this episode, where John shares his insights on the joys and struggles of being an educator. Tune in to From Last to First-The John Aceti Story, hosted by Tom Fox!
Key Highlights:
- John’s Experience as a Principal at North Hill School
- Revamping Education in Outdated School Districts
- Challenges with Open School Concept
- Unprofessional Conduct and Evaluation of a Handicapped Child
- Reflections on Teaching and international program
Notable Quotes:
“They were about 20 or 30 years behind. Very lackadaisical about education. There was no continuity, no structure.”
I had to come up with programs that would entice them. I came up with a few programs that included local and international programs that I brought into that school to excite the teachers.”
“She taught several things, language, compared to Japanese and English. She taught art. She taught music. She taught dressage, dressing, different kinds of clothes, and she would go to different classrooms.”
“Our job is to educate kids, not torture them.”
Resources
John Aceti’s author’s page on Amazon
