As he wraps up his 35th year in education—33 of them at Anthony Wayne High School—Mr. Todd Heslet reflects on his career, the changes he’s seen, and what comes next.
How long have you been teaching?
Todd: This is my 35th year teaching. I spent my first two years in Lorain City Schools before coming to Anthony Wayne, and I’ve been here for 33 years.
What led you to a career in education?
Todd: I did not plan to go into education. I started at THE Ohio State University in hotel/restaurant management but later realized that it was a 24/7-365 schedule. I shifted into industrial design and took an engineering graphics class—what we’d now call drafting. I liked it, and my instructor took me to the welding/engineering building and I recognized it as Industrial Arts, which is what my dad taught. Next thing you know, I’m in a methods class and I’m doing my student teaching. Both of my parents and three of my grandparents were teachers, so I ended up following in their footsteps, even if it wasn’t intentional.
How did you end up at Anthony Wayne?
Todd: After struggling with job security in Lorain due to failed levies, my dad saw the AW job posting. I’d never been out this way, but I interviewed three days after the 1992 tornado had come through. The school was damaged, and I got a first-hand look on a tour of what was then South. (now AWJH). I moved classrooms multiple times due to repairs and renovations, but I’ve been in the AWHS Tech Wing since 2002.
What classes have you taught?
Todd: I’ve taught Industrial Technology, which was originally called Industrial Arts. Later it became Technology Education, but that often got confused with computer tech. I preferred “Industrial Tech” because it better describes what we do—architecture, engineering, design and problem solving.
What changes have you seen over the course of your career?
Todd: Society has changed. The kids have changed. Education has changed. It’s everyone’s answer, but the biggest change is technology. We are spitting out stuff from the rendering program that is just, holy cow - impressive. At the same time, there have been changes in students. It’s exciting to be able to do projects in a different way. We went from pencil and ink drawings that students drew artistically to incredible work done on the computer that mirrors what they are doing in the field.
The kids’ work ethic is really tough. Many students aren’t sure what they want to do, and I’m often competing with distractions like phones and instant gratification. But I’ve also had students who really apply themselves and take pride in their work. I try to keep them engaged and make adjustments to projects so they appeal more to students.
That said, I also have kids that want to excel and put in the time. There are kids that bust their butt for the sheer factor of taking pride in what they do. They will put in the time. I am their biggest cheerleader and encourage them to do their best.
What do you see as your impact?
Todd: I open their eyes. Or I close them. I’m responsible for getting careers in front of kids and help them make a decision for themselves. Sometimes the answer is ‘maybe I don’t want to do this,’ and I think that can be more powerful than finding something you do want to do. I’ve had many students come back and say my class helped confirm their career path. That kind of feedback is meaningful.
I recently had three former students reach out to me, and it pulls at the heartstrings every time. I didn’t realize the impact. I get messages like, “You were such an inspiration. You reinforced my thinking that I wanted to be in architecture. Thank you for dealing with my shenanigans.”
I don’t take compliments well, but hearing from former students about how I influenced them has been really rewarding. I put it out there for the kids - not me. That’s their work. They came with the work ethic. That’s the stuff I’ll miss.
I have DESIGN DRAW BUILD INVENT on my wall. And that’s it. It’s what I do.
What other roles have you held at AW?
Todd: I coached basketball on and off—boys from 1992 to 1998, and then girls from 2000, with a break, then again from 2012 to 2015. I also co-advised LINK Crew with Amanda Zoeller for seven years.
Tell us about your family.
Todd: I met my wife, Brenda (Richards), here at Anthony Wayne. She taught English and psychology. We started dating during my third year, and we’ve been together for over 30 years. We have three kids—Colin, CeCe and Ciara—and live in Perrysburg.
How do you spend your time outside of school?
Todd: We’ve camped for about 20 years. For the past several summers, Brenda and I have rented a seasonal campsite where we can park the trailer and unwind. When I’m out there, I do nothing—sit by the fire, fish, relax. That’s my version of clocking out.
What’s next for you after retirement?
Todd: I’m “graduating” with the seniors this year—we’re counting down the days together. I don’t know what’s next, but I want to stay active. My dad is 90 and still active and healthy. I want to do that. I’m not looking for a 60-hour-a-week job, and it probably won’t be people-y. I’m ready to use a different part of my brain. I have some tools, I’ll move them around a bit and see what comes of it. Brenda and I are planning a retirement trip and more time camping.
What will you miss most about teaching?
Todd: I 100% love the content and will miss it. I thoroughly enjoy finding projects for the kids to do. Sure, I’m following the standards, but I can also pick the projects that get the right stuff to them. Projects that give them the knowledge they need to know and still hit the standards, but that they enjoy. A few of them I have done for years because the kids love them and they excel. Others I may have done a few times and move on.
What do you hope your students remember about you?
Todd: I would hope that they say that I’m a good mentor. I hope they saw me as someone who cared. Someone who listened. I hope I inspired some of them somehow - regardless of whether they pursue something in the field. I always tried to keep things light - I’m funny and stupid sometimes. You have to put on a show - stand on desks, tell corny jokes, make it fun. I always prided myself on that. You never know what will stick with a student—sometimes the smallest things become the most memorable.
Mr. Heslet, thank you for 33 years of creativity, commitment and connection with our Anthony Wayne High School students. Congratulations on your retirement!