Agriculture teacher retires with a legacy of respect

Simmons Career and Exceptional Center students Cody Lawrence, left, and Mark Cameron say John Altizer, right, has been an inspirational teacher.

By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune 

PLANT CITY --John Altizer, who began his teaching career at Hillsborough High School in 1961, is about to call it quits.

For the third time.

Altizer, who soon will turn 78, said this time he really is going to settle down to farming, fishing and volunteering at East Thonotosassa Baptist Church. And he looks forward to spending more time with his family, including his wife of 54 years, Linda, and their grandchildren.

"I have mixed emotions about it," said Altizer, whose last day teaching agriculture at Simmons Career and Exceptional Center is June 8.

He has tried retirement before. In 1989, he stayed retired for one year. In 1995, he quit a second time, only to return to teaching eight years later.

This time it's for good, he said.

It's a big loss to Simmons, where Altizer is beloved by his students, Principal Cleto "Sundy" Chazares said.

"He really earns their respect just by the way he talks to them," Chazares said.

"You don't walk into the classroom with a bag full of respect. You have to earn it. He has that gift."

Simmons senior Abel Carrizales said he was skeptical when he enrolled in Altizer's class this year. He became more than a teacher; he became a mentor, Carrizales said.

"He's not only a good teacher, he's like a good friend. He's become a grandfather figure," he said.

Altizer grew up in West Virginia's coal country. His childhood was rough, but he learned the value of education.

After serving as a Navy medic and then earning a biology degree from Marshall University, Altizer's first position was teaching biology at Hillsborough High, then moving to Turkey Creek High in 1967. He began teaching agriculture in the early 1970s.

He also taught at Marshall Middle School. His students held state and national leadership roles in Future Farmers of America, and excelled in Florida Strawberry Festival and Florida State Fair competitions.

The father of four teaches agriculture, welding, woodworking and small engine repair at Simmons.

He said he loves teaching agriculture because it is hands-on — he can teach the students to grow, nurture and harvest crops such as squash, beans and flowers. He likes it when his students become farmers, but he knows he has done his job if he instills in them an appreciation of farming.

Altizer said he tries to let his students know he cares for them. It's essential that a teacher develop students' character and leadership skills, he said.

Students Cody Lawrence, 16, and Mark Cameron, 17, describe Altizer as a gentle and wise teacher who expects the best from them.

Altizer, who will give the keynote address at Simmons' graduation ceremony on Friday, said he already knows the hardest part of retirement.

"I'll miss the kids," he said "They've always been a part of my life."

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