My Dad Is A Teacher'

Below is a letter that Gretchen Kozak wrote about her father, Carl Kozak, upon his retirement after teaching technical education for 36 years in the Hayward School District. Gretchen now lives in Denver, Colorado. Her letter was first published in the Sawyer County Record. “It brought tears to my eyes when I read it,” Kozak said. He wanted to share it because, “It may make other teachers proud as well who are devoting their careers to the youth of our society.”

My dad is a teacher and this morning he takes his gray lunch bucket outside to his Ford Bronco and drives to school. He passes me at the bus stop and gives a smile and a wave. He could take me to school himself, but the bus will be by soon. Today he teaches me patience and structure.

Carl Kozak, with some of the icons from his 36 years of dedicated teaching.

My dad is a teacher and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. we call him “Mr. Kozak.” Never mistaken in his black-rimmed safety glasses and light blue shop jacket – usually covering his short-sleeved, plaid shirt and blue Dickie slacks. His first name is Carl and although it would be easy to call him that, we call him Mr. Kozak. Today he teaches deference.

My dad is a teacher and today his class will nominate a shop foreman. In a few weeks his students will proudly take home a completed “milk stool”– a tradition of 7th grade shop. They will also choose an assistant foreman. Today he teaches responsibility.

My dad is a teacher and today is Saturday. Every day after school, for the past several weeks, he’s put on his skis and went out to train. Today he’ll ski the American Birkebeiner for his first time. I’m proud to tell my friends my dad has skied this world-known event. Today he teaches accomplishment.

My dad is a teacher and even though school is over for the day he moves over to the sports center to coach hockey for Pete’s hockey team. It’s easy to be a spectator and attend games, but to put in several hours a week to coach takes more. To teach someone how to stop before hitting the boards, to get up if you fall, to win with pride and to lose with graciousness takes more. Today he teaches competition.

My dad is a teacher and my friends love to take any of his classes. He teaches skills like welding, metal cutting and design. They comment on his funny stories, great experiences and ability to teach by example. Today he teaches career skills.

My dad is a teacher and he has stopped bringing his gray lunch bucket to school every day. Sometimes he’ll have hot lunch in the cafeteria with all of the students. Most teachers give themselves the right to cut in front of the food line. Not my dad – he always goes to the back and waits his turn. Students respect him for that little gesture – more than he’ll know. Today he teaches respect.

My dad is a teacher and for many years was also a class advisor. The biggest project he supervised, and the most fun, was always building the homecoming float. Those wanting to participate would meet at the fire hall for a Sunday of fun. It was about more than getting first place; although he usually did. Today he teaches teamwork.

My dad is a teacher and a great supporter of the school he represents, attending sporting events, away and home. I don’t think I ever told him how much it meant to have him there cheering me on. Win or lose, he knew it was about more. Waiting up at home or waiting for the bus at the high school, he was there to offer reassurance or congratulations. Today he teaches encouragement.

My dad is a teacher and so much more. He is a father, a husband, a grandfather and a friend. He is the only one that calls me Alice. He’s the only one I know that stores his 4x4 Ford Super Duty in the winter. He is leader, a listener, and a well-respected man. Every day, he teaches me to be who I am.

My dad is a teacher and had he never taught a single class in his life, we would have still learned so much from him. He is not only a teacher by profession, but by nature as well. My dad has touched so many lives and I couldn’t be any prouder of him.

My dad is a teacher and I love him. Thank you Mr. Kozak/Dad for all you have given to the Hayward Community Schools.

– Gretchen Kozak
Denver, Colo.

Posted August 22, 2003