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From the Desk of Bill Cirone...
December 11, 1998
Marshall: A local hero
It's nice to take the time every so often to tip our hats to some of our local heroes. We know they are everywhere, working for the betterment of our community, often unknown even to those who benefit from their efforts.
One such local hero is Duane Marshall, who has for 29 years been a teacher at Los Robles High School at Los Prietos Boys' Camp. He teaches English, social studies, and transactional analysis to adolescent males who have a pattern of violating criminal laws. He is the lead teacher of a dedicated staff; but more importantly, he represents the soul of the school.
Duane truly enjoys his students. In return, the students respond with cooperation and respect to his firm, structured classroom. They often say they have learned more from Mr. Marshall about themselves and about how to succeed than from anyone else in their lives.
Duane's laugh and smile are infectious. He never loses his temper or his composure. He leads by example. He always supports his colleagues; his advice is wise and welcome. His reassuring reminders that "everything is transitional and evolutionary," make it so that everyone knows no matter how serious an issue is that arises, it will be better in time.
His skills and accomplishments with a most challenging population of students would constitute heroism for anyone of average health; however, Mr. Marshall has battled diabetes and arthritis for years and within the last 18 months has had both hips replaced.
Throughout these ordeals he has continued to teach with enthusiasm and has been a role model for those who watch him work, and for his wife and four daughters, who are the most important parts of his life.
Said Steve Powell, director of the juvenile court and community schools program where Duane teaches, "I have been in education for 30 years and I am amazed at how much Duane teaches me every day I am with him about instructional strategies, kids, and life."
After Duane's second operation he was asked about his professional plans. He said he wanted to come back to teaching. "I still love the kids," he said. "That's what it's all about."
Indeed. Our community is fortunate to have such dedicated and caring professionals working with our most challenging students.
© Santa Barbara County Education Office
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