Teacher Hall of Fame

May 2008
Sandra Anderson

Age: 56
Location: Pacifica, CA
Learn to Swim Program Name: Anderson's Swim School
How Long Have You Been a Swim Instructor? 36 years
Why did you become a Swim Instructor? A quote from my one of more favorite authors sums it up: Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life!
What is your Favorite Thing About Being a Swim Instructor? Some of my most rewarding instruction has been with children who, on the first day of class would not even approach the water's edge; but on the last day were the first to dive in!

April 2008
Robert Strauss

Age: 55
Location: Miami, FL
Learn to Swim Program Name: Swim Gym
How Long Have You Been a Swim Instructor? since 1973 1/2
Why did you become a Swim Instructor? It is a long story, when I was 14, I volunteered at the "J" in Mexico City, a relative asked me to teach her little boy 3, but she never came to the weekend program, the boy drowned. For years I thought it was my fault, (pretty impressionable for a teen ager to go through that). In my 20's I overcame the guilt trip. When I finished my Master's in the school of Education at U of Miami with emphasis in Recreation Administration and Educational Psychology I started teaching/coaching professionally. A few years later, the 2 year old son of my good friend John Leonard drowned in a cannal behind the house, than confirmed that I should stay in teaching more than pursuing a college or HS job. (need more? feel free to write coachrs@swimgym.net)
What is your Favorite Thing About Being a Swim Instructor? Taking children from the no, no, no, to Yes, Yes, Yes, to MORE, MORE, MORE!!! And being able to get a kiss on the cheek after saying, "bye, bye kiss to uncle Robert!" and mama confirming, but he/she hates to kiss anyone. I guess when you treat them correct and respectfully they are really thankful for the instruction you gave them. By the way, you do not instruct... you provide opportunities to trials and errors, while all the time protecting them mostly from themselves.

January 2008
Braxton Lausanne

Age: 21
Location: Soref JCC in Sunrise, Florida, USA
Learn to Swim Program Name: SwimAmerica
How Long Have You Been a Swim Instructor? Almost a Year
Why did you become a Swim Instructor? I became a swim instructor because it was a personal challenge to help decrease the percentage of drowning in my area.
What is your Favorite Thing About Being a Swim Instructor? Knowing I help other human beings achieve goals in their lives makes sharing my knowledge my favorite thing about being a swim instructor.