Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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Myles Durbin, a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, volunteers with kindergarteners at Garden Springs Elementary. "He's part of our classroom," said teacher Jane Draper.

Myles Durbin is back in kindergarten at Garden Springs Elementary, where adoring youngsters decorated a shoebox with pink and red hearts to hold his valentines.

“They just consider him one more kid in here. He’s meshed into the classroom,” said Jane Draper, whose students welcome “Mr. Myles” every day.

Myles is among the seniors from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School who volunteer at Garden Springs in their community service class. While some chose to spend time at a local hospital, animal shelter or food pantry, these teenagers opted for tiny desks in familiar haunts.

“I was pretty set on criminal justice, but now I might go into teaching,” Myles said. “I’ve had a lot of fun with it this year, and I love the kids.”

About 16 seniors assist at Garden Springs five days a week in morning or afternoon blocks.

“It’s a good environment for our kids to be in, and we know they’ll be utilized,” said Larry Poynter, the teens’ teacher at Dunbar. “The children get used to seeing them, and the teachers look forward to them helping out.”

“Even if you’re not wanting to be a teacher, you can have an impact on others,” Poynter added.

As it so happens, Samantha Leddy does want to teach at the high school level, so she is making the most of this opportunity at her old elementary school.  

“I know a lot of these kids because I coach a neighborhood swim team,” said Samantha, whose duties include putting up bulletin boards, making copies in the office and running other errands.

Recalling her own student teachers from a few years ago, Samantha knows she is now the role model. “It’s always nice to have someone to look up to,” she said.

She and her Dunbar classmates work one-on-one with youngsters who need extra help, reading to them and puzzling out math problems together. And they provide an extra pair of hands in science experiments and music class.

“Anytime you can work with kids in smaller groups, it really helps them succeed,” said Lee Moureaux, who teaches second grade. “There’s also a chance to build relationships.”

That’s what Draper has found with her kindergarteners and “Mr. Myles.”

“They love to listen to him read a story,” she said, “and I like for the kids to see a good male role model, especially at this age.”