Andrew Warde High School
Class of 1976
This is the second of a two-part "Where Are They Now?" feature series highlighting the career of Mr. John Honey
Forty-one years ago, a career in education may have been the last thing on Mr. John Honey's mind. After all, he was preparing to join the Air Force, and his father was a well-respected veteran fireman.
However, as Honey pointed out, there was a general feeling that Americans were lagging behind the Russians in Science and technology. Americans hadn't yet landed on the Moon, and the success of the Soviet Sputnik program was cause for concern.
Science teachers were in demand, especially at the secondary level. So, in 1965, Honey, a Danbury High School product, subbed at Andrew Warde High School for a teacher who left for a one-year sabbatical. The rest, as they say, is history.
"Things worked out," Honey understated. "If you asked me in 1965 if I was going to teach for the next 40 years I would have been very surprised."
The following year, Honey became a full-time teacher at Andrew Warde High School, and he stayed at the Melville Avenue campus until 2004 when he moved to Ludlowe High School.
"I fell in love with teaching," he said. Honey had attended Western Connecticut State Teacher's College in Danbury, and a class advisor suggested he pursue a career in teaching.
As far as his starting salary was concerned? "It was $5,200," he admitted.
Honey is passionate about his profession, adding, "I've never gotten up in the morning not liking what I do. It's really more than a job. It's a career," he explained. "School has been my niche. It's who I am, and not so much what I do."
He said many teachers prefer to live in a different town or city than the one in which they teach. Not so for him, though. "I've enjoyed living in the community in which I teach. It's more than just a job."
In addition to his classroom career, Honey has been a successful tennis coach, too. His most noteworthy student on the tennis court was James Blake. This past May the tennis courts at Warde were dedicated in Blake's honor, and Honey was thrilled to be back at the school with Blake.
"Teaching is my first love," mentioned Honey. "Tennis is not that different from teaching. It's just different."
Honey said the goal of any good educator is to instill a love of learning while fostering a positive educational experience for the students.
"Having the kids have a good experience and really enjoying it," he said, alluding to his teaching philosophy. "We're here to help kids be successful. We're not here to do things to kids, but for kids."
As far as the teachers he has admired through the years? "There have been some great role models as teachers," Honey said. "Charlie Abraham was a great teacher. Ken Tavares, who retired a few years ago (was another educator I respected)."
Mr. Honey knows the end of his career is fast-approaching. His wife, Judy, teaches fourth-grade in Redding. "I still hope I bring something to the table," he said. "I don't see myself here in five years. Maybe one or two more years."
Mr. Honey is one of the most well-respected educators in Fairfield. He's seen it all during his 41 years in front of a classroom, and his dedication to his profession is second to none.
"It's been a great run," he admitted. "One of the hard things is leaving something you enjoy."
We've enjoyed having you as a teacher, Mr. Honey. Keep up the great work, and good luck.
Paul
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