A Lifelong Commitment to Unlocking Student Potential
Behind every success story is a journey filled with pivotal moments. We explore the path of service corps member Tim McGillicuddy in his own words through this candid Q&A. Discover the inspirations and decisions that shaped his remarkable career as an educator, and his impactful “second act” volunteering at Cristo Rey High School in Boston.
What led you to become an Ignatian Volunteer?
Two years ago on a bright spring morning, I attended Sunday Mass with my wife and son at Saint Cecilia in Boston. Afterwards, we went for coffee in the fellowship room of the church. My wife and son had planned to talk about a course my wife was teaching. My input was not needed. So, I decided to sit outside in the sun with my coffee. As I sipped my coffee, I idly leafed through the Saint Cecilia Sunday Bulletin. A small ad that had been placed in the bulletin by IVC New England caught my eye. The description of service grounded in spirituality was exactly what I had been looking for in my retirement as public school educator.
In short order, I contacted IVC New England and was invited to a Zoom meeting in which several IVC volunteers from various parts of the United States shared their experiences. What struck me was the joy in their volunteer work. So, I made the decision to apply. I was impressed by the quality of the document and thoroughness of the application process which involved an interview with Dave Hinchen, Regional Director for IVC New England, as well as an interview at Cristo Rey.
Describe your role at Cristo Rey and how it contributes to their mission.
Last year, I was asked to work with two first-year teachers who had no previous teacher training or classroom experience. One of the young men had a strong background in religious studies and was comfortable with the content of the course, World Religions, which he was teaching. However, having never taught, his challenge was classroom management. With input from me and some of his colleagues, he established a comfortable and safe learning environment. The other student was hired as a Music teacher in October upon the sudden resignation of the previous Music teacher. In addition to having never taught, he had a limited background in music beyond being able play the guitar and piano. He did have a strong background in literature, history, and theater. After consulting with the principal, this teacher and I used his academic background to create a course that he called Music Appreciation. The course was a journey through American Music with its roots in Church and classical music, the blues, jazz, hip-hop, rap and rock. I worked extensively with this teacher, providing him with feedback after a lesson, and in assisting him in the planning of future lessons.
To further help him in the execution of lesson, I took on the role of classroom assistant and provided support by monitoring behavior and redirecting students during the launch of the lesson. During the exploration portion of the lesson, I participated in both small-group or whole-group discussion, and was available to students as they did research, written work, or other activities. I also worked directly with individual students during this component of the lesson.
What aspects of this work tap into your background and expertise as an educator?
As I began my work in classrooms in the 1970’s, I was a classroom assistant. After this experience, I became a teacher, then an assistant principal, and finally a principal. At Cristo Rey, I have come full circle and have returned to my roots in becoming a classroom assistant.
Currently, I work with a first year Latin teacher, who is Classics Scholar in Latin and Greek. She received her doctorate from Boston University this past October. During her tenure as a student at Boston University, she was an adjunct professor in undergraduate English and Writing classes. I was asked to support her as she made the adjustment to teaching high school sophomores and juniors which she has successfully accomplished. I play an active role in this classroom by assisting students as they work to develop skills in Latin grammar and translation.
My passion for work with young people and my work experience with them spans fifty years. After college, I was drafted. I did my military duty as a conscientious objector at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. I planned to begin my work in the hospital at 10:00 a.m. This allowed me to do volunteer work teaching reading and writing at an elementary school earlier in the day. After I was released from the service required by my status, I worked with children in a mental hospital setting in Waltham. This experience was followed by work as a childcare worker with adolescent boys whose mental health issues resulted in a placement in an open residential center in Walpole. From there, I went to graduate school and received a master’s degree in special education while working as a teaching assistant in the Walpole residential program. Upon receipt of my degree, I began work as a teacher in a middle school as a special educator for fifteen years. Then, I took a position as an assistant principal and followed by a principalship in an urban school system. I did this work for seventeen years until my retirement in 2010. My retirement was short-lived, as I was asked to take on the duties of interim principal in a variety of schools for another ten years.
With my background, it made sense for me to volunteer in a school setting. I chose Cristo Rey Boston because much of my work experience has been with young people whose families have limited means. I have also been intrigued by the unique structure of Cristo Rey schools, which integrates work-study into an academic setting. I believe in the mission of the school, and I believe I have a lot to offer its students, teachers, and administrators.
How does your work contribute to the mission of the school?
Cristo Rey’s mission is to provide a Catholic college preparatory education for students with limited economic means. Classroom learning is integrated with a work-study program in which every student participates once a week. I have assisted in this mission by providing a consistent level of support to new teachers in their classrooms. I also serve as a tutor in Latin and English.
Are there any other roles that you are playing at Cristo Rey?
This year, I have served as a Latin, English, and World Religions tutor as well as working with the Latin teacher. I work with several students on a one-to-one basis and at times, in small groups. I am available to students in the hour-long block at the start of the day, at lunchtime, and sometimes during English class.
What have you enjoyed the most about this experience?
During my career as an educator, I loved being part of a community that was dedicated to the success of every student. I enjoyed my work with teachers as we worked to continually improve our craft on behalf of students. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career was my daily interactions with students and building trusting relationships with each one of them. In the schools in which I served, we (students, teachers, parents, and other staff members) built a community of respect and mutual support.
I love being at Cristo Rey. I am a member of community that seeks to provide a positive learning experience for each one of the students. I have made important connections with many students, as well as a connection with every staff member.
My work with three first-year teachers has been very satisfying. Seeing them build positive relationships with students, create stimulating lessons, and take command of a classroom in terms of learning and management is a memorable take-away from this work.
Another memorable moment was attending The Honor Roll Assembly for the third marking quarter this year and witnessing one of the freshmen I am tutoring in English and Latin achieve Honor Roll status for this marking quarter.
This student had failed several courses in the first and second quarter as the began his high-school academic career. During this period, he was often late for school and was building a reputation as “class clown”. While I was working with another student a few months ago, he asked me for assistance with a Latin assignment. We worked together until he had completed the assignment. He, then, remarked, “You’re a professional in Latin. Can I come to you for help if I get stuck on assignments?” My response was an unequivocal, “Of course!”
Since that first meeting, he has been coming for help every morning before school on the days I am at Cristo Rey. His issue with tardiness has dramatically improved, and he no longer takes part in class disruption. He is very proud of his achievements, and I look forward to his continued growth as a student and a leader.
How has this service opportunity impacted your faith?
A few months ago, I read a quote made by Saint Theresa of Avila that touched me deeply. I have paraphrased the quote, and I am working to make it my guide at Cristo Rey, my life at home, and in my community.
Christ has no body but mine,
No hands, no feet on earth but mine,
Mine are the eyes with which he looks with compassion on the world,
Mine are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Mine are the hands with which he blesses the world,
Mine are his eyes,
Christ has no body now on earth. I am his body now.
Moving forward: What are you most looking forward to?
I believe I have more to offer at Cristo Rey. I recently met with the principal to let him know I am willing to serve as a sounding board as he seeks to further improve the functioning of the school and the school community. I am looking forward to a time when he will use me as a resource.
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