LIMA (OHIO) - Despite losing his eyesight more than three decades ago, an Ohio teacher has continued educating children — only now, his lessons focus less on science and math and more on life.
Ron Derry lost his eyesight 32 years ago because of a degenerative eye disease. The loss did not stop him from teaching. Derry spent 18 years as a teacher in a Columbus-area school while he was sighted. After losing his vision, he decided he would not let blindness defeat him and continued teaching with a curriculum of his own.
Derry founded the “GOOD” program, which stands for “Going On Or Defeated.” Through the program, he visits schools across Ohio to teach students about being trustworthy, kind and resilient while encouraging them to overcome obstacles in their lives.
Derry spoke to fourth-grade students at Cridersville Elementary School this morning. It marked his 15th year visiting the school and his 50th year teaching students — 18 years while sighted and 32 years while blind.
“When I became blind, I continued teaching, but I taught my own curriculum, attitude and overcoming problems in life versus science and math when I had sight,” Derry said. “I feel it’s very important to educate each child to start off each day on a bright note, the type of attitude they need to do that, what kind of attitude they need to give themselves the best chance to be successful.”
As part of the program, 12 students selected by their teacher during the school year will receive a “GOOD” T-shirt if they are considered to be meeting the program’s goals.
The Cridersville Lions Club sponsors Derry’s visits to the school. Derry is also a longtime Lions Club member in his own community.
Through his message, Derry encourages students to understand that challenges do not have to determine their future and that a positive attitude can help them face obstacles and find success.
