Paul Chilson is now in his 33rd year as an educator, and all that experience has never managed to dampen his excitement for teaching.
“When I go home, I'm exhausted,” Chilson told Gulf Coast News. “If I go home and I'm not exhausted, I haven't given my 100% effort. I go home and I crash.”
Chilson spent most of his career in chilly northern Michigan, but now teaches fifth grade reading, writing and social studies at Pinewoods Elementary School in Estero.
His secret to such a long career comes down to two things: having passion and compassion for his students.
“I try to put their lives into focus in the classroom. When I can connect with those relationships, that opens the door for learning,” Chilson explained. “If they can trust you with their relationship, they can trust you with what you're teaching.”
Akiya Maston, principal at Pinewoods, points out another secret to Chilson’s success.
Not only has he never stopped teaching. He has never stopped learning.
“He's not the kind of (teacher) like, ‘Oh, you're first-year, you need to learn from me.’ He learned from that first-year teacher,” Maston said. “You can't forget that. There's always room for learning. There's always room for growth."
And — as Chilson just found out — there is also always room for new achievements as well. He’s now earned the prestigious Golden Apple.
It is no surprise to his students.
“I'm just honored to be in his class,” fifth grade student Adriano Hernandez said. “(He’s) very funny, kind — just makes everyone want to learn.”
For Chilson, the award serves as a reminder that even a longtime teacher sometimes needs proof that he is making an impact.
“It's the crowning jewel of my whole career,” Chilson said. “It gives me a drive to keep going.”