It's Faculty Friday! Today we feature the multi-talented Bill LaPlant, our Evaluation Team Facilitator!
What inspired you to become a teacher, and how has your journey been so far?
I was pre-veterinary for my first two years in college but ran out of money and inspiration at the same time (which was not a good combination!). For a few years, I worked in restaurants and warehouses, and played in rock bands (still am 😎). After a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, I took an art class on a whim at Dean (Junior) College and was hooked! I earned an Associate Degree in Art two years later. During that time, I wasn’t sure what to do with the direction of my life until I had helped another student with a still life drawing we were all working on, and he received a better grade than I did! After a moment of indignation, I realized that if I can teach someone to reach their full potential, even if it surpasses my own abilities, then that is also a talent! I earned an Art Education degree from FSU and a Masters in Instructional Technology and Special Education from BSU. I’ve been teaching ever since: art, technology, driver’s education, and special education.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that your students might not know?
I am a father of triplets (my wife and I have 5 kids combined and 2 grandchildren!). I also know American Sign Language (the triplets are deaf and hard of hearing, and my daughter has severe cerebral palsy, so special education was an obvious route for me). As a driving instructor, I have had the honor of teaching 12 deaf students how to drive, who all passed the road test on their first try!
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of teaching?
I am a rock musician (guitar, vocals, and harmonica), artist, and published author! I also enjoy going to Truro (we inherited a cottage from my father when he passed). It’s a place that helps remind me to be a “human being”, and not always a “human doing”. I also enjoy reading ghost stories and inspirational books (Wayne Dyer is a particular favorite).
What’s one piece of advice you would give to your students?
First: BE KIND! It’s your default setting!
Second: I ask the Universe for three things every day: to be productive, to be of service to others, and to focus on purpose. Find a career in something you love doing, which is your purpose, and the other two things will happen easily. You do not want to spend your entire life working a job you hate. This is why I love Tri-County! So many students find inspiration in a vocation they truly love!