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photo by Hannah Reel
Fallin Career and Technology Center auto service technology instructor Eric Stewman identifies a variety of tools for his students during class at the center Wednesday afternoon. Stewman’s last-year students scored the highest on average in the state on the CPAS aptitude test.
Fallin teacher spreads love of mechanics
Published Thursday, August 27, 2009
NATCHEZ — If it’s got an engine and it moves, Eric Stewman loves it.
“It’s a passion,” Stewman said of his fondness to work on anything with an engine, but mostly on cars.
Stewman, an auto mechanics teacher at Fallin Career and Technology Center, is passing that passion on to his students.
At a recent meeting of the Natchez-Adams School Board, Stewman was recognized by the board because students in his class earned the highest average score in the state on the Mississippi Career Planning and Assessment System exam.
The exam is given to students in programs like Stewman’s and rates their performance in their main area of study.
“I knew they were going to do well,” Stewman said. “But I didn’t know they would do that well.”
But for new students in Stewman’s class, it’s easy to see why last year’s class scored so high on the test.
“He tells us what we need to know and then he lets us work,” student Curtis Norton, 14, said. “And he really understands all the stuff he’s telling us. He knows what he’s talking about.”
Fellow student Brandon Moore, 16, said he especially likes the way Stewman treats his students.
“We know what we’re supposed to be doing,” Moore said. “He just doesn’t weigh us down with work. He teaches us.”
And Stewman knows what it like to be in his students’ shoes.
When he was 15 he took same auto mechanics class at Natchez High School.
“Since then I’ve loved it,” Stewman said. “If it’s got and engine and wheels, I love it. Even if it’s a weed-wacker or a chainsaw. I love it,” he said. “And that’s what I want to show (students.)
Comments
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on August 27, 2009 at 4:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to the teacher and students!
Posted by generoberts (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 7:43 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on August 27, 2009 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, the young men could have earrings in both ears and could be wearing bermuda shorts and t-shirts, what is important is that they are learning or trying to learn.
After all it is not suppose to be Army basic training.
Posted by thelorax (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good grief genoroberts, maybe the kid does have his shirt out but it DOES look like he is interested in what the teacher is doing. If all teachers would have this much interest in their work perhaps our kids would do better
( yes there are ALOT that do but there ARE alot that don't)And before anyone starts whining and getting their panties in a twist that teachers don't get paid enough, well guess what? No one does!
Congrats to this class, you go !!!
Posted by realtalker123 (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Genoroberts how dare you sit on your sorry behind and call someone child an idiot!!!! Out of a wonderful story you have to sit there and find something negative to say about it, maybe thats what you think of yourself. But maybe because your an IDIOT you want to see everybody else as you see yourself. IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by pbl1978 (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Again we go pointing our finger at other's, but again I have to say these kids are our future. Just see how some of us can take the good and think negative of our kids. Like other's mention above so what the shirt tail is out, earring in the ear, arm folded, but let's look at the positive side. This student is in an enviroment of learning and trying to do the right thing, but guess what, we have some the same age, walking the streets, or whatever. Come on Genoroberts have a postive side of yourself, let's not just look for the negative of other's. Congratulation to NASD for having such a teacher as Mr. Stewman. If the student read this in reference to the complaint that Genorobert made toward you, than young man take that pill and swallow it because life haven't yet started for you, but it does halfway prepare you for the future not everyone will always have something good to say about you no matter how hard you try to satisfy other's. That's why it say try not to please no earthly man. Young man just remain in school and get a good education and later on in life Genorobert will regret that comment that he or she made.
Posted by hlmedd (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A feel good story! We need more of these, because in these there is hope.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it's a great story, too, hlmedd. It's inspiring, and hopeful. The other teachers have much to learn from Mr. Stewman.
Posted by headchick (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story! And what an honor for Natchez to have the highest average statewide on this test! Congratulations, Mr. Stewman and your class! Keep up the good work!
Posted by educationplease (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How sad that the comments following this inspiring and wonderful story are -- again -- tainted by one of the anonymous Natchez Negatives. Five positive comments; yet, there are five more that were either negative or were in rebuttal of the negative comment made by "generoberts." Congratulations to you, "genereoberts," as you managed to steal away what was uplifting about this story. You managed to steal away rightfully earned attention from this superb teacher. You managed to demean young men who are, apparently, learning to be productive members of society. Perhaps they should be content in their lives with writing anonymous negative comments to their local newspapers instead.....?
Posted by iomo (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story! Congratulations Mr. Stewman & the students at Fallin CTC!
Posted by Ginger (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's so nice to see positive articles and comments about our students! Way to go Mr. Stewman!
Posted by apdaa6967 (anonymous) on August 27, 2009 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Young men dont let anyone or anything bring you down because of (generoberts) stupidity. That is what people do to discourage young men trying to get an education by finding fault.
Posted by vidalia1 (anonymous) on August 28, 2009 at 1:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My hats off to a young man who is doing an outstanding job.May you continue to inspire and encourage.when people make negative comments it reflects life.Just do not even respond, take that time to create another lesson plan.Way to go!!!!!!!!
Posted by makethatchange (anonymous) on August 28, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WTG Mr. Stewman and students. May God continue to bless you. Keep up the good work young men. I understand it takes a lot to get into Fallin Tech.
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