The Courage Of Educators: Celebrating Local Heroes Like Teacher Casey Scallon

I think most of us would agree there has never been a more difficult time then the past few years to be a teacher or school administrator.  Much of this started with the pandemic which disrupted education like never before and resulted in almost lost years of learning and social growth.  Some students have still not recovered.

It also seems like respect in and out of the classroom has taken a huge step backwards.  Students act out like never before and parents too often simply expect teachers and schools to handle discipline and don’t provide much help at home.

Through all of this many teachers and I do mean many still go above and beyond on a daily basis with little more than an occasional thank you.  They are professionals and do their job to the best of their ability.

Today we draw attention to a teacher at Tom River High School East who recently performed what could have been a life-saving procedure on a student.  Casey Scallon, a teacher for 22 years stepped into action when he noticed a student was choking.  Scallon, an Ortley Beach lifeguard captain performed the Heimlich maneuver on the student in distress and dislodged the obstruction which allowed the student to breathe normally.  A 36-year veteran of the beach Scallon was awarded a certificate of Raider Excellence for his prompt action and called a true hometown hero by High School East Principal Erin Anders.

Most teachers will never have to do something like this but don’t discount the difference they make in the lives of students each and every day.