After working as a long-term substitute teacher for the past two years in Wilton, Emmett Cole has achieved his goal of becoming a full-time physical education teacher. Cole said he decided to become a gym teacher because as a student, it was the only class in which he did not struggle.
"P.E. was the one place I felt normal, like every other kid," Cole said.
The reason Cole said he was out of place in the classroom was because he had a learning disability and consequently was not the best student. However, when it came time for gym class, he fit in with the other students and excelled.
Cole will do double duty, working at Miller-Driscoll and Middlebrook schools. He worked at Middlebrook last year and said he is looking forward to being with the students he taught last year. As for Miller-Driscoll, he said, "Seeing the little guys is always fun."
As a long-term substitute, Cole said he did most of the things regular teachers do, like making lesson plans. However, he will experience one thing for the first time when school opens Monday.
"I have never done a first day before," Cole said.
Before this year, Cole was earning his teaching degree at Southern Connecticut State University. He has been coaching wrestling at the elementary school level in his hometown of Bethel since he was in high school. He still resides in Bethel with his wife.
He is one of 13 new faculty members in the Wilton School District for the 2010-11 year.
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