EAGLE GROVE, Iowa (KCCI) – An 88-year-old Iowa man still gets up every single morning to go to school, hoping to make a difference in the lives of the young people he teaches.
Jerry Becker, 88, has been teaching for 65 years. He teaches college-level history classes at Eagle Grove High School for the two first periods of each school day.
“These kids want something more. I want to give it to them,” Becker said.
Generation after generation after generation has passed through Becker’s classroom. In some cases, it’s become a family affair, as he teaches the grandchildren of his former students.
“My mom had him in high school and I had him in high school and I have a sophomore son that could possibly have him next year,” said Ryan Pedersen, a physical education teacher at Eagle Grove Elementary School.
Becker teaches his students important lessons both about history and about life. Former and current students say they’re lucky to have had Becker as a teacher, and they learned a lot from him.
“He’s taught me how to keep going, even push myself,” said Will Batterton, one of Becker’s current students.
“I remember his courses were challenging, yet really rewarding in the end,” said McKristie Willard, a principal at Eagle Grove Elementary School.
After second period, Becker bids farewell to his students, packs for the day and shuts the door, but his day is just getting started.
Becker is also a referee and has been officiating basketball games for 67 years. He still runs up and down the court and keeps up with the middle school players. He makes the calls and keeps his eye on the ball, pausing only at halftime for a quick water break.
“It’s incredible that he still gets out on the basketball court and runs up and down and refs for the younger kids,” Willard said.
Staying in shape is paying off. The Iowa High School Athletic Association confirms Becker is the oldest active official in any high school sport in the state.
Becker has also coached cross country for a long time. Under his guidance, the team has qualified for state 26 years in a row.
“He’s always been one to show up and go to work, whether it’s teaching or coaching, volunteering, whatever it may be,” said chiropractor Aaron Parrott, who is one of Becker’s former students.
After more than six decades as a teacher, Becker says he feels like he’s never worked a day in his life and has no plans to stop doing what he loves anytime soon. He’s spending his golden years teaching the younger generation how to go after their goals, as he accomplishes his own.
“I would go crazy if I had to just sit in the chair and watch reruns on television all day,” Becker said. “My goal right now is to enjoy myself. I am accomplishing that. I enjoy teaching. I enjoy working with the kids.”
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