Friday, February 26, 2010
Robin Janotta
Staff Writer
It happens to the very best of us. No matter what, people get sick or have to miss work. Teachers, who have a responsibility to their students, cannot simply leave.
Now, enter the heroes who come to their aid: substitute teachers Norman Burd and Jerry Quigley.
Although they are great friends, the two men did not know each other as kids. Quigley grew up in Downey, and Burd was raised in Kalamazoo, MI; the first time this dynamic duo met was at Mira Costa.
Because both were new teachers at the time, they decided to band together. Quigley had been teaching history for a year before Burd became a part of the Mira Costa staff. They say this is often a point of rivalry.
“Mr. Burd hates it when I bring up that I’ve taught for one more year up. Besides, I am better looking and have more hair,” Quigley said.
Although both men enjoy their respective subjects, Burd is enamored with math while Quigley appreciates history. Unfortunately, this brings another subject to debate between them.
“Math is the only subject worth while. It doesn’t change. Science can be changed with new discoveries, and in history the winner of the war writes the book,” Burd said.
Rivalries aside, this pair is what often keeps students interested. With over 40 years of experience, both know the ins and outs of teaching.
Both fell in love with Costa, but in different ways. This was Quigley’s first school, but Burd came here after teaching at Long Beach for four years. Of course, they say they respect Mira Costa as a learning environment.
“I just enjoy teaching because it gives me energy and stimulation. Everybody in the job is just really nice,” Quigley said.
Although both find merriment in education, students should be careful in their classes when the two men are filling in. Both agree that their pet-peeve is when a student cannot be quiet.
“First, I tell them to shut up, please. If they don’t stop, I tell them, ‘shut up.’ Then they usually get it, because I’m speaking their language,” said Burd.
Students enjoy Burd and Quigley as substitute teachers. The tag team is known for humor and kindness, and both subs are favorites among students.
“Mr. Burd is the best sub I’ve ever had at Costa. He is so funny,” sophomore Kirby Beaton said.
Further adding to the relationship, a little-known fact is that Burd’s daughter met her husband at Costa. Even less known was that it was in an English and history block period. Guess who taught that period? Quigley.
Burd and Quigley are as inseparable as Batman and Robin, and although they might not fight crime, they are great people. So the next time your teacher starts to cough and sneeze, remember: two brave souls may soon grace you with their presence.
“Students haven’t changed since I started teaching. It’s electronics, and an iPod or somebody’s pod is really what gets them into trouble,” Burd said.
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