Teacher Tuesday: BIG

When you read the title of this post, did you think about the Tom Hanks movie about a young boy who makes a wish to be big?  I did, and even though the movie was about growing up too quickly – and my post is not - I chose to use the title anyway. 

Once you meet John Andrus, you’ll see why.  BIG just fits.

BIG presence

This is what a size 17 looks like

John is our new Computer Skills teacher for the first-year students.  He’s a man that commands a classroom simply by standing in it. At 6’6”, with a size 17 shoe, he towers over the students, but he rarely comes across as intimidating. He uses his natural authority in an appropriate and sensitive way to better connect with his students.

John’s personality also ensures that his presence will not go unnoticed. He’s a loud and humorous extrovert who still manages to portray a gentleness that the students are comfortable around.

BIG job

Not only does John teach Computer Skills during the day, but in the evening he’s the new Residential Life staff for the young men living in Home B. He helps the guys with their particular struggles, maintains order in the Home, supports the daily living skills lessons, and works closely with the Academic Advisors to resolve problems that occur with the students.  His insight and intuition allow him to handle tough issues with a thoughtfulness that’s appreciated by staff and students alike.

BIG heart

John was born with a special gift. He easily loves people – all people – even those that others reject. When he was in college at Iowa State, he became friends with a co-worker, Turbo, who was hired through the McJobs program for adults with disabilities. John and Turbo got along well and eventually John asked Turbo to become his roommate. Turbo loved to be included, and John loved including him.  Turbo lived with John and his friends throughout college and, after John got married, Turbo moved in with John and his new wife.  He stayed for 12 years. 

Do you know how some men learn to hide their sensitive side as they become adults? Not John.  He wears his heart on his sleeve like a badge of honor.  Patience, acceptance, love, service – it’s all out there for the world to see and his students to experience. 

BIG plans

John’s desire for the students is to see each one reach the highest level of Appropriate Independence that he or she can possibly reach. For some, that might mean showering without a reminder and making dinner without assistance. For others, it could mean holding down a job, driving themselves to work, and acting in a disciplined manner in public. John understands that every person is unique and it’s his goal to help each student grow more independent than even their parents thought possible.

BIG family

It seems that John doesn’t do anything small. He and his wife Jenny have five children ranging in age from six to thirteen years old - Elijah, Trinity, John, Nyah and William.  His experience being a father to such a large brood proves to be a blessing as he “parents” his guys in Home B.

After meeting John, you’ll become as convinced as I was that this BIG man with a BIG heart will make a BIG impact on the life of every student at Shepherds College.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.