The Noblest Calling.

• Author: MCCARTHY, COLMAN
• Position: Teacher who does an excellent job

The difference one teacher can make

Watching the children of Garrison Elementary School enter their cafeteria at lunch time, it's not hard to identify the students of Mark Lewis. They're the ones carrying books. Biographies, short stories, essays, poetry. The cafeteria noise and chatter isn't enough to keep them from reading a page or two of their books in the next half hour.

At Garrison Elementary, in a poor and working-poor neighborhood a mile north of the White House but a world away economically and politically, the children in Mark Lewis' class have lucked out. They have a teacher gifted with fire, one who burns with three beliefs. First, growing up minority and poor shouldn't mean growing up hopeless. Second, children who are long-shots for success have a greater chance if they enjoy at least one positive educational contact in school--a teacher with energy and ideals--at an early age. Third, for his students, he is that teacher.

I have known Mark Lewis since he came to Garrison in 1993. When in need of an inspirational lift, as well as some tips on the pedagogical arts of teaching, his classroom is among the ones I head for. It's also one of the places I bring my own students.

After one of these recent adventures, a student of mine was moved to write a thank-you letter.

"Dear Mr. Lewis: I had the pleasure of coming to your class and helping out with your kids for the day. My name is Lisa Keskitalo and I'm a student of Colman McCarthy's at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. I'm writing not to just thank you for welcoming me into your classroom but also for helping me to realize something about myself. You see, up until my visit to Garrison, I had set my eyes on a possible career as a high school teacher or college professor. When I left your school, my sentiments had changed completely because I realized how much more amazing and powerful it is to teach young kids. Yours were absolutely beautiful in many ways. They were sweet to me and you could see how much they craved learning in all its forms. When Colman told my class how you decided to leave the Library of Congress for these kids, I was touched. I completely understand why because they are all so amazing. If it weren't for my after school obligations (I'm a ballet dancer and practice every day), then I would come to Garrison to help out your kids. Please tell them that I loved the visit and love all of them. Thanks again not only for allowing me to help your class but also thanks...