Martin Kruppenbacher I feel like my career has been ordered by the Lord. I had no direction in college and teaching gave me a direction 72 | august <strong>2019</strong> | www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com
egulars | city people by diane feen | Photo by Melissa korman Teacher Of The Year Eternally Martin Kruppenbacher lives in a rarified world of rabbits, squirrels, ferrets and living creatures that make their habitat in the woods. He also serves as a role model, teacher and science cheerleader for those lucky enough have been a student in his classroom the past 50 years. Mr. K (as he is affectionately called) is known around Delray Beach education circles as someone of a saintly nature. He creates wonder in his 5th grade science classroom and wonderment in the city of Delray Beach. “Mr. K is like a Disney character in the classroom. He’s so engaging that when I went into his classroom I felt like I was in the 5th grade again. His heart is as big as his body and he is kind and generous. He is a principals’ joy, and the first to volunteer to help with any project,” said retired principal of Banyan Elementary school, William Fay. Fay retired after 53 years on the job, yet Mr. K is still going strong like a human science Energizer bunny. He did retire, however, after teaching 5th grade science at Delray Beach Elementary School and Banyan Creek Elementary School. “I retired 12 years ago (after teaching for 35 years) but after one month I realized I had to go back,” said the kindhearted soldier of educational enlightenment. Teaching in Delray came to Mr. K as a matter of happenstance and geography. But if you believe in Karma it was simply a matter of fate that was pre-ordained. Mr. K holds fast to the latter. “I feel like my career has been ordered by the Lord. I had no direction in college and teaching gave me a direction. The steps of a good man are ordained by the Lord.” If the words of wisdom come through mouths of those who say them, then the steps that Mr. K has walked are as steep as those at the Egyptian Pyramids. He makes up songs and riddles to teach the children about science (and the earth) and creates fun hands-on experiments to teach the principles of light, electricity, nature and life. “We make our own magnets with wire, a battery and a piece of iron. I show the kids how the iron turns into a magnet only when the electricity is on. We design and create our own electrical current.” One could make the argument that Mr. K has his own electrical current that runs throughout the city. He sees former students at Publix, in the Mall, on the street and just about everywhere he goes. “I was at the Mall one day and this very large man came up to me and was singing the consonant song I taught him in the 5th grade, I was amazed.” It’s not hard to imagine why former students remember their time in Mr. K’s classroom as one of deep resolution and revelation. He not only adores teaching, but guides children like a Holy man might. “I’m uplifted every day and surrounded by good people with an innate desire to help others. I help develop students’ self-esteem by designing science activities that give them small successes each day.” Praise and support surround Mr. K like fireworks on the 4th of July. The principal at Banyan Elementary School (Mr. Riopelle) recently held an awards breakfast and gave him a gold watch engraved with the words, “Making a difference for 50 years.” He was a finalist for Dwyer Award for Excellence in Education, nominated for the Disney American Teacher Award, Math Teacher of the Year, Above and Beyond Award, The Good Neighbor Award and others. It’s easy to see why. Mr. K teaches children about the wonders of nature by keeping a selection of God’s creatures in and around his classroom. He has five turtles (two red footed tortoises), a bearded dragon, a Guinea pig, fish, hermit crabs, cray fish and other slinky creatures that might make a grown-up run swiftly away. But to Mr. K they represent the finest of God’s creations and a learning lesson for his proteges. “The children learn about invertebrates, and they get to examine them, hold them and learn about their diet and habitat requirements.” To Mr. K the entire world is one giant habitat of goodness. He marvels at the kindness of those around him, but what he sees is merely a reflection of his own generosity of spirit and kind heart. He created (and tends to) the Barbara Nestler Memorial Garden, took Safety Patrol students to Washington, helps with the Christmas float and is dedicated to the profession of education. “It is a blessing and a privilege to help shape the lives of our youth. I get to work with mankind’s greatest resource – children!” Some of the things that come out of his mouth make one wonder, “Is this man for real?” Apparently yes. “Mr. K loves his kids and brings life into the classroom. He’s one of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet - he would give you the shirt off his back. He’s changed a lot of lives and is a great family man,” said former teacher and friend Tom Johnston. Mr. K has been married to Maureen for 49 years and is father to Martin and Michael, and grandfather to Andrew and Aaron. In the summer his preoccupation is fixing up old homes in Delray and spending time with his grandsons. His father Martin was a cheerful friendly milkman and his mother Thelma was a housewife. He attended <strong>August</strong>a Military Academy and graduated Danbury State Teachers College. Mr. K’s move to Delray was sheer happenstance. He spent a summer visiting his sister Maureen and brother-in-law Jim in Delray and was offered a job at Delray Elementary School at a chance meeting in a parking lot in 1967. The rest is history – a rich history that includes his love for children, education, and the resolve to prepare young people for greatness in the world. www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com | august <strong>2019</strong> | 73
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