Tuscola North Ward teacher Ron O’Hearn retiring after 25 years of inspiring students
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By Ben Crane
After 25 years of dedicated service, elementary school teacher Ron O’Hearn is preparing to retire at the end of this school year. Known for his hands-on approach to education, he has spent decades shaping young minds and making learning an interactive experience.
O’Hearn began his teaching career in 1989, spending two years at Erie Catholic before teaching for nine years at Chrisman. In 2000, he joined North Ward, where he has been a staple in the community ever since.
Beyond the classroom, he has also coached junior high basketball, varsity softball, and football, as well as youth sports like soccer and tee-ball.
One of O’Hearn’s most memorable projects in his final year has been an interactive Native American presentation.
His third-grade students studied three different Native American tribes—the Haida from the Northwest, the Cheyenne from the prairie lands, and the Navajo from the desert. Using their vocabulary words, they wrote and performed their own version of The Three Little Pigs, incorporating historical elements to showcase how each tribe adapted to their environment.
The students also created their own sets, featuring a teepee, a wooden longhouse, and a sturdy Hogan, illustrating the structural differences of each tribe’s housing. Parents and half of the school were invited to watch, turning the project into a community event that celebrated both learning and creativity.
“If students are actively engaged and enjoying themselves, they absorb the information better,” O’Hearn explained. “In social studies and science, we do a lot of hands-on activities. We’ve done geological digs, built bridges out of newspapers, and even had a swimming pool in the classroom for experiments.”
This passion for interactive learning has led to numerous grants, including a recent $500 grant that will fund an outdoor geological dig for the entire third grade. The project, which was initially designed for his classroom alone, will now benefit all third-grade students as a farewell gift before he retires.
His approach has made a lasting impact on his students. Parents often tell him how much their children look forward to being in his class. Some initially fear his reputation as “the times-table teacher,” but later appreciate the foundation he provides.
Years after leaving his class, students and parents alike thank him for instilling essential skills.
“I don’t just want my students to learn content,” he said. “I want them to develop skills that will help them throughout life. If I can plant the seed of curiosity and perseverance, then I’ve done my job.”
As he approaches his final months in the classroom, he reflects on what he will miss most.
“The kids, 100%,” he said. “Their curiosity, their energy, and their excitement about learning. They’re pure, and it’s rewarding to be part of their journey.”
Although he is retiring, he won’t be leaving entirely. He plans to return as a substitute teacher, ensuring he still gets his ‘kid fix.’ Many students affectionately refer to him as ‘Scooby-Doo’ because of his signature Scooby-Doo attire.
“The kids are everything to me. If they weren’t, I would be out on a lake somewhere fishing!” O’Hearn said with a laugh.