CHOICES FIELD REPORT

Retired Middle School Teacher Gives Back Big as CHOICES Presenter

You would think Mike Constantinou has done enough for middle school teens. After 36 years as a Clearwater, Florida middle school science and technology teacher and school administrator, Mike has given his whole professional life to kids. But that wasn’t enough for this advocate for kids…since Mike’s retirement he has contracted with Pinellas County Schools to become their one and only CHOICES presenter, and has since personally delivered CHOICES to more than 10,000 teens in the district! What drives him?

Mike says, “My passion is working with middle school students. I believe at this age a student needs to get on track to reach their goals through careful planning. Middle school students should be thinking “self-discipline” as they begin their high school career. They should be thinking of life after 16 – thinking of choices, consequences, and setting goals for their future. CHOICES, if taught properly, begins the thought process in these areas for all 8th graders as they prepare to enter high school.”

When Mike sent in his recent survey results, we gleaned some of the comments he got from teens and teachers. Read on for an emotional experience:

Student Comments:

• Mr. C was awesome he made me realize the importance of good choices because he explained everything in detail.
• He got us involved. Mr. C is a real down to earth person, not a stuff shirt presenter who did not understand us.
• He talked to us like he was 14 year old. It was so neat.
• He showed me respect and I liked that.
• I wish I had him for a father. I learned a lot.
• He showed me the way through high school.

Teacher Comments:

• Mr. C led a fantastically interesting CHOICES program on both days in my classroom. Students learned valuable information in an interesting and interactive manner. I could not have asked for a better or (more) beneficial program or guest speaker.
• Mr. C’s enthusiasm of the program, life experiences are extremely effective in delivering the curriculum.
• I teach underachieving students. Mr. C had their attention for two complete periods. Major accomplishment for a guest speaker.
• All of the life skills showed by Mr. C. are skills that are needed by students, and myself.
• A wonderful person and teacher who delivers the CHOICES curriculum in a most interesting and caring way.