Bedford’s Mr. B Retires ~
Swapping High Math Scores for Low Golf Scores
by: vicque fassinger
While Northeast Ohio’s golf courses are undoubtedly going to be happy for the increased business now that Mr. B will be hitting the links more frequently with his friends and his father, Bedford City Schools will certainly feel the loss when he doesn’t return to school for the 2007-2008 school year. After 31 years with Bedford City Schools and 32 years in education, Jim Bindernagel has decided to retire from his teaching career and spend quality time with his family, his friends, and his golf clubs. Although for his colleagues, coworkers, administrators, and students there will be an ever-present sense that something quite significant is missing from the classrooms, the halls, the staff meetings, the faculty lounge, and the old table nestled in the cafeteria’s back kitchen area, Mr. B has sown seeds of success throughout his career that will continue to influence, inspire, and enhance the lives of others – both directly and indirectly.
There are lots of components that contribute to the cool concoction that is Mr. B and to his 30+ years of success as both a teacher and a respected individual. Perhaps first and foremost is his philosophy of education ~ a creed which he consistently exemplifies not only through his words, but also through his actions. “Teachers must have a sincere interest in students – in their education and in offering them opportunities for success. Children are eager to learn. The learning atmosphere should be respectful, inviting, and positive. Each one of my students adds value to the classroom experience. Listening to their concerns and fears helps me understand their needs both personally and in terms of their education. I believe that when children know that you care about them, as people, the learning location promotes risk taking and genuine education.”
Mr. B has consistently demonstrated, through his actions and involvement in the community, that he is interested in his students’ lives both in and out of the classroom setting. He faithfully attends community organized sporting events and has never missed a band or choir concert. Moreover, he initiated and coordinated a Food Distribution Program and served as the Mentor for the Student Leadership Program. In addition to treating his students with respect and letting them know how much he cares about them as individuals, another component that contributes to Mr. B’s popularity as both an educator and an authentic individual is his easygoing disposition. He doesn’t raise his voice, lose his temper, or easily become inpatient. He shows respect to all and is a team player. When necessary, he simply and matter-of-factly reminds his students of the work that needs to be done and that there is no time to waste. As a result, he has written very few referrals to the office and his students know he respects them and expects a lot from them. “The experience and knowledge that I try to share with students is based on challenging their minds, giving them tools to experience lifelong learning, and an understanding that education is a privilege and a right that should not be taken lightly but enjoyed as it fosters continuous intellectual and social growth.”
Upon earning his baccalaureate from Hiram College, Mr. B secured his first teaching position and taught for one year with Cleveland schools; since 1976, he has been with Bedford City Schools for the remainder of his teaching profession and has pursued graduate-level coursework at both Cleveland State University and Notre Dame College. He is a member of several professional, civic, and community organizations; in particular, he is an active member of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), the Bedford Education Association (BEA), the Ohio Education Association (OEA), the National Education Association (NEA), and the James Ford Rhodes Alumni Association. He has earned numerous kudos and accolades for his outstanding work as an exceptional educator; he is the recipient of the Bedford City School District Teacher of the Year Award, a nominee for the Aurora Upper Intermediate Teacher of the Year Award, a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, a three-time recipient of the East Ohio Gas Energy Classroom Award, and was acknowledged for his efforts as a teacher by both the Greater Cleveland Educational Development Center and the Improvement Academy.
Although Mr. B will no longer be teaching formally in a Bedford City School classroom, the kindness, respect, patience, and sincerity he has exuded as a teacher and individual throughout the years will continue to influence and inspire others. He has sown seeds of success that will last for generations to come. We can be certain that Mr. B will continue to sow seeds ~ including replacing and repairing any divots that may suddenly appear as he ventures on his new paths!
