Don Aronson has left his mark on thousands of lives
ESCANABA -- Fifty-six years. That's how long one U.P. teacher has been in the classroom, but at the end of this school year, he's finally calling it quits. He could be the longest serving teacher in the history of Michigan, and 78-year-old Don Aronson has left his mark on thousands of lives.
For nearly six decades, Don Aronson has been in front of his classroom, teaching students. He spent 13 years in Marquette, then made his way to Lemmer Elementary School in Escanaba, and he's called his room his home for the past 43 years.
"I really left for college to be a radio engineer, but after the first semester I decided no, and I decided teaching would be my thing and it was a wise choice," explained Aronson.
Aronson says he's taught well over 2,500 students throughout his many years of teaching. At the end of each year, he lets his students grade him on his work and almost every time, he's been given an "A+."
"I guess one of the best compliments I've seen on different papers; it's all their original ideas. No, you don't have a pet; everyone is treated like you're the teacher's pet," Aronson said.
Aronson believes the best part about teaching is the fact that students remember him and his classroom activities. Both current and former students agree.
"You do remember the details of the things you did in his classroom, more so than some of my other teachers, and like I said, I remember the special things and activities we did in his classroom because he made it fun," explained former student and teacher, Susan Belanger.
"We do square dancing and we do fun games," said student, Justin Bink. "He's usually nice to me, and he doesn't give us a lot of homework."
To honor Aronson's retirement, there will be an open house Tuesday at Lemmer Elementary School from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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