DALLAS — Building takes time, and every year, Terry Stotts says his time doing it is coming to an end.
“Yeah, I'm going retire," Stotts said. "I could’ve been gone 12 years ago."
In his 42 years of teaching, especially at Dallas ISD’s Career Institute South, Stotts has built something bigger than himself as he teaches construction to students with special needs.
“I don't care what, what you are labeled or how you're labeled," Stotts explained. "You can learn."
Leland Warren has been one of Stotts’ students for three years. He is a senior this year.
“He's like, you don't have to be nervous. You're in here so you're safe,” said Warren.
It is safe for Warren because outside the classroom can be tough.
“Some of us had it hard when we were little growing up," Warren said. "I still have it hard. You have to fight through it sometimes.”
Building things is what helps this group fight through it, especially on their latest project. They built rocking horses for kids at the Ronald McDonald House.
“It makes us feel good. What we do is to help the sick kids,” said Warren. “I know it makes Mr. Stott feel good. I know it does. I could tell by looking at him.”
Good deeds and memories like that are what make the decision to retire such a difficult one for the longtime teacher.
“I just see them growing up,” said Stotts. “And it's kind of sad because some of them I won't ever see again. But we got memories.”
So, whether Stotts chooses to call it a career or not, one thing is for sure: his impact on his students will last long after he moves on to the next chapter of his life.