After applying to 90 schools for a teaching position, James Duffy ’73, M.S. ’80, was discouraged because he only had eight interviews. It was the ‘70s, and teaching jobs were competitive.
But his break came when a high school principal called Illinois State University’s Department of History chair, who knew Duffy was job searching and recommended him. That began a 33-year teaching career at Sterling High School, only 50 miles from where Duffy grew up. He planned to pursue his doctorate and teach college students but never left his high schoolers.
Retired 18 years, he started thinking about his future again, and what he could do for students interested in teaching. That led him to create the James Duffy College of Education Back-a-Bird Scholarship, which recruits and supports students who want to teach English or history.
Duffy always wanted to be a teacher and was the first person in his family to go to college, but financially it was difficult. A scholarship made it a little easier.
“My parents didn’t have a great deal of money,” he said. “The scholarship helped. I could stay in the dorm for about $300 a semester, which included every meal but Sunday night, and $400 a semester for tuition.”
He chose Illinois State because he had friends here and was familiar with the campus.
“I really liked the campus,” he said. “I had good instructors and enjoyed myself. I was very fortunate I got to go to college. It was a life-changing experience. My life is much better because I went to college, and I attribute a lot of that to going to ISU.”
He attended Illinois State at a time when teacher education students flooded Horton Field House for commencement.
“When they announced the department of education, at least half stood up,” he said.
As a young teacher, he modeled civic engagement by becoming involved in local government, getting elected to the Whiteside County Board. Forty-three years later he still serves, including a decade as chair. He also took on a leadership role on the state level, serving as chair of the Illinois Education Association Council of Retirees.
For years Duffy has donated to Illinois State’s History and English departments.
“Jim Duffy has been giving to support Redbirds over the last 30 years,” said Jillian Nelson, senior management director of Annual Giving and Philanthropy Engagement. “As a lifelong educator, he started small and grew his philanthropy over time. Recently, he made the generous decision to create a scholarship to support future educators.”
The scholarship will also allow him to get to know the recipients and their stories, she added.
“This level of investment creates a meaningful experience for both the donor and student. Jim is such a testament to the power of philanthropy. His story reminds us that it is possible to make a difference at every stage of life.”
Dr. Megan Kessler, assistant professor of middle level education in the School of Teaching and Learning, said the scholarship comes at a good time as education is facing a teacher shortage, especially in middle schools.
“This scholarship is being offered at a crucial time. While Illinois continues to navigate a shortage of classroom teachers, this helps support the development of highly qualified new teachers who are positioned to be successful leaders and empathetic mentors to young adolescents on day one.”
Scholarships may also help with teacher retention, she added.
“The financial stability afforded by the scholarship, will not only assist their early success in the field, but may support long-term sustainability in the profession.”
The School of Teaching and Learning’s Dr. Ben Wellenreiter, middle level educator associate professor, spoke about the unique role middle school teachers fill: “Middle level teachers get to work at the intersection of adolescent development and the subject areas they love. It is a fantastic mix of personalities, academic concepts, and a uniquely dynamic stage in human development. Young adolescents need compassionate, professional educators who can work with them as people and as scholars.
“The James Duffy College of Education Back-a-Bird Scholarship provides vital support for those with the inspirational goal of working with young adolescents in a world where this age group is often overlooked. This scholarship supports some of the most passionate, professional preservice teachers we have.”
And encouraging others to go into education is what Duffy hopes to do now that he’s retired from the classroom.
“If I can help other people who want to go to college and get a degree, that’s great,” he said. “It’ll be my legacy.”
To learn more about how to support your passion by establishing or contributing to an endowed fund, see the Guide to your Endowment.
