Our school community mourns the passing of our former director, Larry "Mt. T" Teshara. Mr. T retired in June 2017 after 45 years of service to SMUHSD, the last 20 as Director of the San Mateo Adult School. His commitment to education, community, and the joy of coming together in common purpose is a legacy we strive to carry forward.
He was affectionately called "Mr. T" by his students and staff. In 1972, he joined SMUHSD as a counselor of the since-closed Crestmoor High. After four years at Crestmoor, he became the Assistant Principal of Aragon High for six years, followed by 15 years as Principal of Burlingame High School starting in 1983. In 1997, he became the much beloved Director of the San Mateo Adult School.
He was known for loving and promoting - and often MC'ing - events that celebrated community, confidence, and connection - The "Mr. T" Soccer Cup Championship, International Day and Night, Student Council, Holiday Celebrations, the monthly Birthday Potlucks for Staff, and of course, the San Mateo Adult School Graduation ceremony at the end of the school year. At so many of these events, he would share humorous and inspiring stories. At holiday events, he often had raffles - handing out little gifts he had gathered through the year for prizes. He made a point of not only developing relationships with community leaders but bringing them to SMAS to meet staff and students and see the school in action.
SMAS Staff Share Memories:
Teacher Mary Weng: Mr. T left a legacy that will live on through our work. He will always be there." Read more of Mary's memories.
Teacher Carolyn Pannu: I will always remember our beloved Mr. T. I will always remember his Class Visits, so full of humorous family drawings, his dry wit and off-the-cuff quips, and his unending support and encouragement all along my career’s path and his own courageous journey the last six months..Our school family will always remember Mr. T and hold his family and his inspiring spirit close to our hearts.
Teacher Vasyl Barlak: Mr.T. was certainly larger than life. His energy energized. And his concern for students who were going down the wrong path saved many of them. That alone is a tremendous legacy! His support for Adult Education was crucial in difficult times. He will certainly be missed.
Teacher Cynthia Eagleton: Mr. T really understood the value of building and maintaining a network. He knew that good relationships open doors to success, get us through the hard patches, and just generally make life better. Also, he had a great sense of humor! :-)
Former SMAS Director Tim Doyle: Have a safe journey to the other side and I hope for you that they have potlucks there. Read more of Tim's memories.
Staff Assistant Carlota Zuniga: He would always say do not confuse my kindness for weakness. He would always say this to transfer students from the district that would enroll in our GED/Diploma program when he would meet with them for the first time. He would also say that this was a new start in their chapter of life, and that from this day on it was up to them what was written in it.
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