BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — Whether it happened in 2nd grade, in 7th or beyond -- there's a good chance a teacher changed your life.
To share that gratitude can mean the world to an educator. We recently visited one district where that appreciation is on display every school day.
In life, there are signs you are on the right path. For Christopher McArn it took a few years to follow them to Westerly Elementary School in Bay Village where he teaches. This is his first year teaching 4th grade. He's a rookie on a great team.
"I know that I have people here that can help me, if I need it. So I don't feel alone in this, swirling environment," said McArn.
He is new to the role but not a stranger. McArn previously subbed in the district, student taught here and that's not all.
"I was actually a 4th grader here in this classroom. And I sat right where you are sitting at one point," he shared.
Mr. McArn was once 4th grader Christopher McArn -- in this very same classroom, 20 years ago.
"It's nice coming in because it's a very comfortable space for me."
McArn in a Bay Schools alum. Some memories from his time in this classroom have faded, but the defining ones are etched in.
"Fourth grade is when I started reading chapter books and series. And I remember coming and trying to do "brain benders" with my friends to try and earn Jolly Ranchers for a raffle," he added. Those two experiences are shared with his current students. McArn has a wide variety of books for his students to choose from. And just as he did, students can take part in the brain teasers game.
It's no surprise that education is in the family. Another McArn is part of the staff at Normandy Elementary, just a few blocks away.
Chris's mother Julie teaches first grade.
"When he got his old classroom, he said, 'Oh man! This is really neat! This feels good to me!' And I said, 'It is good!'" Julie McArn recalled.
Teaching in his old classroom is a happy coincidence. But education was not part of McArn's original plan.
He hold degrees in history and criminology from Miami University. However, his valuable life experiences formed elsewhere. McArn's free time and summers were spent as a camp counselor, coach and mentor.
"He always wanted to be a helper. He loves kids and being around kids," said his mother.
When Christopher McArn decided to change directions, his family wasn't surprised.
"When he came to the realization 'I think I wanna go back and get a education license and stuff.' I said, 'It's about time!' We knew this was his calling," Julie McArn said beaming. For a parent, there is great joy in knowing that your child is on the right path.
And for Chris McArn a love of learning and helping was always there. But it blossomed under the guidance of a very special person.
"She just made them feel special," Julie said of Kelli McMaugh, the teacher who inspired Chris and played a role in shaping the educator he's become.
Just as Miss McMaugh did, her former pupil hopes to instill confidence and a lifelong love of reading to his 4th graders.
"I know Miss McMaugh accepted me for all that and I want to do the same," Chris shared.
McArn carries that sense of gratitude to work at Westerly ever day.
And he carries it next door, during frequents visits to another 4th grade classroom, where Kelli McMaugh is now in her 37th year of teaching.
"He was such a positive kid as a 4th grader, that's what I remember about him," Miss McMaugh said.
Chris McArn is now a 4th grade teacher alongside his 4th grade teacher.
"It's great having him. It's great hearing his enthusiasm for different subject areas and bringing other things to the table," she said.
Though Miss McMaugh didn't necessarily see a future teacher in McArn when she had him in class, she did see it later.
"I just saw him just loving life. I didn't necessarily see that as his connection. But when he came back and was volunteering in the building, and I would see him interacting with students in a volunteer capacity, I thought, "Oh yes, he's got it. He has that thing that makes someone a good teacher." So I could tell then," she said.
It's a special relationship neither takes for granted. Though there is one particular challenge for Chris.
"It's still difficult for me, sometimes, to call her by her first name."
Former student and teacher are now colleagues on the same path. Westerly's 4th graders may not know it, but they're part of something special.
The signs are right there.