The regular teacher for fifth period is gone. The replacement is the well-known substitute, "Uncle Bill." Instantly the class becomes alive with the anticipation of great stories and interactions with the older generation.
William Ullom has been teaching and substituting in the Chehalis School district for eight years. Ullom, better known as Uncle Bill, is inspired by the young people that surround him daily, and likes to teach because "...you have a small hand in the future of America. . .by teaching young people." Ullom also believes that "It [teaching] keeps me young at heart. You're young and alive and look at life with great anticipation: everyday is a new experience."
Some believe that Ullom's age is his motive for continuing his teaching carrier. "He's old; isn't that part of his charm? Here he is being active, being interested and he's seventy-six years old. That's pretty neat," said Fred Olin, W.F. West's assistant principal. Ullom plans on "...teaching as long as my health permits it." He also recognizes that "...not many people continue teaching past their seventy-Þfth year."
Because of his age Ullom has a unique way of working with the students. "He contributes to the class and helps us get interested," said junior Ty Watilo. "He shows that the older generations can mingle with the younger. He breaks the age barrier."
Even though he is not in one classroom all the time, the time he spends Þlling in for the regular teacher is inßuencial. Senior Britt Roden explained, "He adds some respect because he's older and...wants to spend time with the youth...He's adamant about his thinking. He knows what he believes."
Besides Ullom's amiable relationship with the younger generation, he still "...keeps the atmosphere of the classroom serious," as sophomore Sheryl Pfaff said. Other students are also favorable of Ullom's teaching aspects. "He really inspires us to do our work. It's a positive atmosphere. He makes us get our work done but it's not overly strict." said junior Brooke Muhich. Sophomore Chris Wilson noted that, "When people start getting rowdy he doesn't say Ôbe quiet.' When he hears comments he always answers the comment."
Ullom's positive attitude towards the students of today is the same as he felt in yesteryear. "The average youngster is just as good a kid as I've met over the years. I found that if you treat young people with respect they will treat you in the same kind," explained Ullom. Senior Amanda Carss picks up that quality from Ullom. "You feel comfortable. He doesn't make you feel different. [He makes you feel] like an equal, a family," said Carss.
Ullom's teaching career started in 1954 when he applied for a job that a friend recommended to him in an Idaho district. He was placed in a multi-grade classroom (grades Þfth-eighth) with forty-Þve students. He was also the bus driver and janitor. Ullom said the pay was less for all three jobs combined than a teacher today. Ullom graduated from the University of Washington under the G.I. Bill in two and one half years in a four year program. He achieved a major in English and History and enjoys teaching speech.
Throughout the years of teaching Ullom has learned by experiences and has become well-known with the students for his facetious stories. When asked the origin of these humorous stories Ullom responded with, "Partly experience and partly memory. It might be the attitude I feel education should be individualized. I feel that a day without a good laugh is a good day wasted."
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