 Lieutenant Colonel Ron Harrington was an active-duty Marine for twenty-four years with two combat tours in Vietnam. Since retiring in 1992, he has been a high school Marine Corps JROTC instructor, serving at Snow Hill High for the last eight years. Under his leadership, the Snow Hill MCJROTC unit has twice received the MCROA Award, which is given annually to only six schools nationwide, and has received a national Honor School designation for five consecutive years. The unit has also provided their community with over 10,000 hours of community service and won numerous drill, rifle, and parade team cometitions.
How has the way you teach changed over the years? What lessons have you learned?
Increasing technology has made preparing for classes easier. I have learned that deep inside, the greater majority of young people want to excel and be proud of their accomplishments.
What advice would you give to a teacher who's starting their first year and feels overwhelmed?
The best advice I can give to a new teacher is, "Explain the rules and then enforce the rules." Learning cannot take place in an unruly classroom, and it is a crime to let a few distract from the learning opportunity of all. Always be fair and consistent in your dealings with all students: be firm, but never harsh. Always strive to set an example for all of your students.
What do you think the key has been to your success as a teacher?
My success as a teacher is a direct result of the support I have received from my administrators, peers, the community, my students and their parents.
How do you involve the community in your teaching?
I never miss an opportunity to get my JROTC Cadets involved in community service. By doing this, I show the members of the community that teenagers can be polite, hard-working and dependable - qualities that are not always associated with today's youth.
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