The Unexpected Journey of Grandpa Paul: From Science to Substituting at St. Ann School

The Unexpected Journey of Grandpa Paul: From Science to Substituting at St. Ann School  

It all started with a simple family connection—my granddaughter Neva joining St. Ann School’s 4K class with Mrs. Matz. Little did I know that a few years later, I’d be standing in front of a classroom, teaching subjects ranging from math to religion, and getting to know some truly inspiring students and faculty along the way.

My daughter, Alexandra, had the idea. Since I was retired and had a background in biology, cardiac medicine, and clinical perfusion, maybe I could offer my expertise as a substitute teacher. I thought I’d be stepping into science classrooms as a guest speaker, sharing my knowledge on topics like the heart or biology. But as it turned out, my role would be much broader than I expected.

From Science to Math, Spanish, and Religion: A Steep Learning Curve

As soon as I started subbing, I quickly realized that the job wasn’t quite as simple as showing up and giving a science lecture. To my surprise, I found myself brushing up on everything from quadratic equations and graphing lines to Spanish and, of course, religion. I might not have been prepared for all of that, but it certainly kept me on my toes.

In the last 25 years, I’d been deeply involved in my nonprofit organization, Buckets for Hunger, Inc., helping raise over two million dollars to support local food pantries. But after stepping down from that role and losing my horses, I found myself with extra time on my hands. Substituting at St. Ann School became the perfect way to fill that void, allowing me to stay active and involved in my community.

A Memorable Project: “Science and the Bible”

One of the projects I’m most proud of during my time at St. Ann was creating a PowerPoint presentation for Mrs. Talbert’s eighth-grade religion class titled “Science and the Bible.” This project came about after a class discussion about the creation of Eve from Adam’s rib in the Book of Genesis. Several students had questions about how the story of creation aligned with modern scientific theories, particularly the Big Bang Theory.

To answer their questions, I embarked on a deep dive into both Catholic teaching and current scientific perspectives. After hours of research and conversations with Father Randy and other priests from St. Christopher, I was able to present a balanced view of creation that incorporated both the biblical account and the Big Bang Theory. I learned that, surprisingly, the Biblical account of creation, written thousands of years ago, aligns quite well with current scientific theories.

My goal wasn’t to present a definitive answer but to encourage students to question how evolving scientific views can coexist with the timeless truths of the Bible. I wanted them to leave the lesson not only with a deeper understanding of both science and faith but with a stronger belief in God. The conversations that followed were thoughtful, insightful, and spiritually enriching, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the way the students engaged.

More Than Just Subbing: A Grandfather’s Perspective

I don’t consider myself a teacher, and I’ll admit that I’m a bit more lenient with discipline than I probably should be. But what I lack in teaching skills, I make up for in enthusiasm and a genuine love for the students. The staff at St. Ann is incredible—they are skilled, compassionate, and so dedicated to their students. They make it easy for me to step in and help facilitate the lesson plans they’ve carefully crafted.

And while I may not have the same level of authority as the full-time teachers, I do have one thing that’s been a big hit in the classroom: I treat every student like they’re my grandchild. That’s how I earned the nickname Grandpa Paul, and it’s how I approach every day I spend in the classroom. We listen to music, we dance, we sometimes meditate, and I always try to make sure there’s a healthy snack for the kids. They’re a smart, motivated group of kids, and I’m constantly amazed at how much they know and how much they want to learn.

The Greatest Benefit: Spending Time with Neva

One of the greatest joys of substituting at St. Ann is being able to spend time with my granddaughter Neva. I get to watch her learn, play, and eat lunch with her grandpa, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Being part of her school life has been incredibly rewarding, and I feel blessed to be able to play a role in her education.

If you’re a grandparent or a family member with time to spare, I highly recommend considering a role as a substitute teacher or a classroom volunteer. It’s a wonderful way to be involved in your grandchild’s life and to make a difference in the lives of other children as well. You might not know what you’re getting into at first, but the rewards are more than worth it.

Grandpa Paul’s Advice: Get Involved

The most fulfilling part of my journey as a substitute teacher at St. Ann School has been the opportunity to witness the growth and development of these incredible young minds. I may not be a full-time teacher, but I’ve learned just as much from the students as they’ve learned from me. Whether it’s through science, religion, or just spending time together in the classroom, I’m thankful for every moment.

If you’re looking for a way to give back, to stay active, and to have a direct impact on the next generation, I encourage you to consider substituting or volunteering at your local school. For me, it’s been an unexpected but deeply rewarding chapter in my retirement, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be Grandpa Paul to all of the wonderful students at St. Ann.