Terry Eidson
Terry Eidson of De La Salle High School in Concord, California, has been named the District of San Francisco New Orleans’ (SFNO) Distinguished Lasallian Educator (DLE) for 2022.
Eidson will be recognized in a ceremony held on November 17, 2022 during the Huether Lasallian Conference, a gathering of Lasallian educators from across North America.
The Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award is sponsored by Christian Brothers Conference and recognizes educators who exemplify the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Patron of Christian Teachers of Youth. It is presented annually in the name of all Lasallians of the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) to honorees from each of its Districts.
In nominating Eidson for the DLE award, De La Salle Vice President for Academic Life Dr. Heather Alumbaugh wrote, “Whatever (Terry) teaches he believes in, is passionate about, and really lives. He recognizes every student as an individual with in-dwelling divinity, and he crafts his teaching so that each student can learn. He is truly one of the most extraordinary educators with whom I have ever had the pleasure to work. He is a living testament to the power of Lasallian education to transform lives for the better.”
Eidson is in his 41st year as a Lasallian educator at De La Salle. In that time, he has served as a Religious Studies teacher, Athletic Director, Student Activities Director, faculty coordinator of the Black Student Union, and a coach in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and golf. Since stepping down from coaching in 2020, he continues to teach Religious Studies and is an assistant in the school’s Bishop John S. Cummins Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance and a challenging and supportive learning environment to ensure that students from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds have the opportunity to experience educational excellence.
De La Salle Religious Studies Department Chairperson Andrew Berkes said of Eidson, “I cannot think of another individual who has clearly and consistently internalized the Lasallian mission into the core of his being so that all of his actions and interactions with students and colleagues alike radiate what our founder envisioned for his teachers…Over the years I have realized that as he has allowed himself to be transformed by our amazing Lasallian mission, he strives to help others be transformed by this mission, too.”
According to Alumbaugh, when Eidson was asked about his own take on his storied teaching career at the all-male high school, his response was both straightforward and profound.
“I share with (the students),” Eidson said, “who I am, things I have done well and poorly in my own life, and they know whenever I speak to them, I am never lying to them…the honesty can be hard but they understand the value…part of what I bring out in students is to be open, honest, vulnerable in a classroom without feeling at risk. As an adult male, I model how to show emotion, to talk about the word love, to show vulnerability, and to learn from mistakes.”
Commenting on Eidson’s selection, SFNO Office of Education Director Michael Daniels shared, “Throughout the many roles that Terry has played in serving the Lasallian mission, his passion for teaching is best illustrated by his tireless dedication to students. His selfless commitment, charisma, and joy for life make him an inspiring educator and a wonderful human being. It is with great appreciation for Terry’s legacy and in recognition of the impact that he has had upon generations of Lasallian students and colleagues that we announce him as this year’s SFNO Distinguished Lasallian Educator distinction.”
The 49th Huether Lasallian Conference will take place November 17-29, 2022, in Baltimore, MD.
