Mr. Watts taught high school art at a small rural school in Mississippi. But he could have taught anywhere he choose. He choose to never leave that small school because big schools can always get good teachers, but students at small schools often suffer because good teachers either because they won't come or won't stay. He openly stated that he disliked freshmen, but he always qualified that statement with the explanation that freshmen meant immaturity not necessarily a grade classification. He was senior sponsor and part of the chain gang during football season. We were part of the faculty that got to school by 6:30 for a 7:50 bell. We had some amazing talks during these early morning hours with about three other early birds.
He taught the students art, art history, self-esteem, and so much more. He believed in us all. He made me feel as if I was the greatest history to ever grace the halls of the school. He made the students feel as if they were great artists even if they would never make it past Art I. As I was struggling with professional issues, feeling torn between loyalty to the students and disagreements with the administration, he always gave wonderful advice to a young, strong-strong woman. He always told me to be careful what you ask for about wanting to go to a bigger school system. He was told me that those bigger schools can always get good teachers but its the smaller schools that need to keep its good teachers...they harder to replace. Even though I have trouble following this: he always to me to be careful what I said to the students. I have a habit of telling the students that I don't care if they learn it or not I am not gonna to make it so easy that they don't have to do anything to get a good grade. He told once to not worry about principals because they come and go...You just have to outlast the bad ones.
I don't think I can recall him ever complaining or not seeing a smile on his face. He truly loved his job, his calling, his friends, his co-workers, and his students. He, along with a few others, were my family while I all by myself.
Hearing of his death, I have decided that I want to be more like him. I want to stop being so negative. I want to be more positive. I want to help my students to see their potential more than I am doing now. I don't want his light that was always radiating to go completely out. I want the light that he shined on me for seven years to shine forth from me.
