Canadian transplant, Stobbe, prioritizes time with students
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Americans often maintain mental caricatures of Canadians who obsess over hockey and insert "eh" into every sentence. Canadian transplant, Greg Stobbe, acts as both an affirmation and contradiction to this stereotype, shouting the praises of the Vancouver Canucks and singing Boston songs in the classroom.
Like most Canadian boys, Stobbe grew up playing hockey, playing on an all-star team until 9th grade.
"I slept with my hockey stick, risking spankings by staying at the pond until dark. Hockey was my life," Stobbe said. "The sport dictated my life as any good Canuck would. I even made the bantam all-star team because I lived and dreamed hockey."
Stobbe, who teaches freshman English and advises The Feather Online, has taught at FC for 18 years. He moved from Abbotsford, British Columbia, to Fresno as a college student, attending Fresno Pacific University, 1980-84.
In his first year of full-time teaching, Stobbe was presented with a "life-learning experience" from then-principal Gary "Papa" Schultz.
"I felt I was thrown to the wolves — he assigned me to teach three freshman and three junior English classes," Stobbe said. "It was overwhelming for a rookie teacher to manage close to 180 students every day. It was 'sink or swim.' For two years I learned more from the students than they learned from me."
However, after the next 16 years, Stobbe has developed a signature teaching style that includes throwing binders into the air, banning "helping verbs" and showing Muppets movies at the end of each semester.
"An older teacher, Lonnie Godfrey, helped me understand the need for a sense of humor and create a unique presence that impacted my classroom management and utilized my background and personality," Stobbe said. "I learned to learn and read like crazy, and I taught my students from memory, using my own personal experiences and being transparent with the kids."
"The things that make teaching worthwhile to me are taking my kids to New York and hanging out with students outside the classroom, from burger-eating contests to donut runs to scaring students by screaming during the movie version of The Hound of the Baskervilles or singing "The Beasts of England, Beasts of Ireland" song from Animal Farm." —journalism adviser Greg Stobbe
In addition to years of experience, Stobbe gained another learning mechanism through his daughters' classroom attendance throughout their childhoods.
"When my girls were little, my wife, Geena, worked a couple of days a week," Stobbe said. "Sometimes she would drop them off on her way to work and they would sit in the back of my classroom. When Mom wasn't home-schooling them, they were with me. Later they all ended up taking my English and publication classes as high school students. This benefited me because I could better understand my teaching through their eyes."
For daughters Brianna, Brittany and Brookie, both playing in the back of the room and participating in the class were learning experiences.
"One of my favorite memories of being in my dad's classroom was when I was 10 years old, sitting behind the chalkboard, and he was attempting to coax the answer for the hometown of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain out of the freshmen," Brianna, '06, a former editor-in-chief of The Feather, said. "After a long minute, I got frustrated and yelled out, 'Aragon and Castile!'
"The entire class laughed, and thus began my adventures in my dad's classroom. I think it was a positive experience. When I joined his class years later, he was harder on me than other students. But I learned more in his class in areas of communication, analysis and organization skills than I did in both of those classes in university."
After teaching just English classes for four years, Stobbe took over a then-tiny journalism program. The new position allowed him to spend individual time with students, building up what eventually became The Feather Online.
"I would have quit being a teacher a long time ago if it wasn't for journalism," Stobbe said, "because I love the one-on-one time spent teaching students to use a wide range of skill sets that apply to real-life situations. I am fortunate to know students on a different level and take the time to have fun with them."
Overall, Stobbe says some of his favorite memories include taking journalism classes to New York for conferences and teasing his freshman English classes.
"The things that make teaching worthwhile to me are taking my students to New York and hanging out with students outside the classroom," Stobbe said. "The memories of burger-eating contests to donut runs to scaring students by screaming during the movie version of The Hound of the Baskervilles or singing "The Beasts of England, Beasts of Ireland" song from Animal Farm. These are a part of who I've become.
"All these memories we have during trips and school, like when my freshmen threw me a surprise birthday party, make teaching so fun."
In addition to forming relationships with students, Stobbe maintains a standard for the success of The Feather. Both the print and online editions have won multiple national awards, including NSPA Online Pacemakers in 2006 and 2008.
"It's been fun to present students an opportunity to utilize their skill sets in a national competition," Stobbe said. "And I'm proud to watch students exceed my expectations. In 2006, a group of 26 students won a Pacemaker, and in 2008, they knew they could win, and they topped the charts when the competition was that much stiffer.
"My hopes are that the students learn from me and each other, but also keep up with technology so they are able to build on their experiences. It is not just learning a set of rules but how to apply them. I'm honored that the kids are willing to listen and take on my challenges. And, almost surprisingly, are willing to put up with my relentless pushing."
As a three-year publications student, Austin Ward, now senior editor, says Stobbe's influence has extended beyond the classroom.
"From the first day I entered publications class as a freshman, I doubted that I could handle it and seriously contemplated quitting," Ward said. "But Stobbe pushed me to keep going and I became an editor the next year. He's taught me to be confident when I try new things — a mindset I've applied in many other areas of my life."
For more information, e-mail Stobbe.
Posted by "Kevin Damm" on February 28, at 7:50 a.m.
Stobbe was the best teacher I ever had. Enough said. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Stobbes; love you man
Posted by "Jennifer Schmidt" on February 8, at 7:50 a.m.
So fun to relive old memories. Some of my fondest memories were in the Stobbe classroom. He may seem crazy, but trust me, you will be hard pressed to find another teacher who cares so much about his students and is willing to push them to greatness. Miss the excitement of your classes :)
I appreciate all you did and still do to help us learn (both in school and life).
UC Davis
Posted by "Kayla Dones " on February 7, at 7:50 a.m.
Stobbe... I never tried hard enough in your classes. I should have, but I was too preoccupied with silly frivolous thing's to take time out of my day while you were taking time out of yours.
But outside of the classroom, I would like you to know that every word you have ever said and directed towards me I have taken to heart and never forgot. Thank you.
Thank you a thousand times over. You and a few others made high school bearable. People listen to you. So don't ever stop challenging us and all of our beliefs that make us feel comfortable and safe. Don't ever give up. Because you do make a difference.
What can I say to sum up all of the wonderful things you have done in so many of your students lives... well, you just rock, and you may be legend. I miss you Stobbe. And I hope you and your family are doing well.
Berkeley, CA
Posted by "Tamara Hill" on February 6, at 7:50 a.m.
I hope you can hang in there long enough for the second Hill to come through your classes. Thank you Mr. Stobbe for your passion! You are loved and appreciated.
Posted by "Chris Weddington" on February 5, at 7:50 a.m.
I love you Stobbe, like a father and..... like a friend; you are the best.
Posted by "Matthew Jenkins" on January 28, at 7:50 a.m.
Why doesn't he show us the Muppets this year. Wooooooooowww
Posted by "Nick Avery" on January 27, at 7:50 a.m.
Wow, I don't even know where to begin. I first met Mr. Stobbe my freshman year when he picked on me for being late to the first day orientation. Since then we've had a very interesting student/teacher relationship--whether it be calling me Zed for the entire first semester last year or almost running me over with his car outside the gym.
But now that I'm in journalism, I see a sort of strategy to his wild antics and odd teaching methods...kinda. So without further ado, I would like to list my top five favorite Stobbe moments.
1. Being thrown into a pool by Trevor York and Paul Ocheltree while attending an Office marathon at his home and then having to wear a Spamalot shirt because it was the only clean guy shirt in the house.
2. Running shirtless in the rain during Brookie's Christmas party down Candy Cane Lane.
3. Being told by Zed the ending of The Hound of the Baskervilles and then being yelled at by Stobbe for listening to him. After his outburst, I recall saying, "No! It's all a spiderweb of lies and deceite Mr. Stobbe!"
4. Being made into this player/type character when he saw me talking to a girl ONCE and like always made it into something over dramatic and slightly insane.
5. And finally, learning how to write in both the English room and in publications.
Oh and Mr. Stobbe, Rush is way better than Boston. Just saying.
Posted by "Laura Casuga" on January 25, at 7:50 a.m.
Suzanna, this is a really fine article. You obviously learned well at the feet of the master.
My high school English teacher was one of the biggest influences in my life. He was much like Stobbe in his incredibly high expectations, though not nearly as much fun.
He taught me lessons that I've used throughout my life. Stobbe's students will also be able to make that claim, and for that I'm grateful. A teacher can have such a powerful influence on students, for good or ill, and literally shape their lives for the better.
I'm grateful that we have such a positive, quirky, driven example of excellence for our kids - he's truly one of a kind. He has brought out talents in David that I don't think anyone else could have, and given him the opportunity to hone skills as Webmaster that will last him a lifetime.
We are truly blessed. May he continue to terrify, challenge and elevate the level of excellence for our kids for many years to come.
Posted by "Brianna Stobbe" on January 25, at 7:50 a.m.
Suzanna,
As a fellow Feather editor, I applaud your dedication and bravery in tackling the chaos that is Eagle journalism. The main and obvious obstacle being the admiration and approval of your adviser. Allow me echo the words in your article and the praise of post and current students of Mr. Greg Stobbe: He's a crazy Canuck.
But he is one to be revered and most importantly, applauded. Growing up with this man as my precious Daddy then facing his ominous red pen in the classroom was a daunting yet rewarding experience. Now looking back after three and a half years of college, I have yet to encounter a more effective, exciting and explosive teacher.
I know many alumni before me share in the same fondness I am expressing. But none save my sister and I have the honor of claiming him as our father. Just a couple of lucky girls, I guess!
Love you Daddy. I'm so proud of you!
Posted by "Sean Carter" on January 22, at 7:50 a.m.
I love Stobbe. He brings so much fun to the school atmosphere and makes things enjoyable even though at times he's a tough teacher. I hope he doesn't leave before I graduate.
Posted by "Sheri Lee" on January 22, at 7:50 a.m.
First of all, great job, Suzanna, on getting to the heart of who Mr. Stobbe is.
This article made me smile, laugh out loud, and brought tears to my eyes. Having had my boys taught by this man each of the past four years, I can say wholeheartedly, he is a gem!
He is not only an outstanding teacher; he's a relentless pursuer of each student reaching their greatest potential. His drive, quirkiness, animated sense of humor, and high expectations combine to make his classes full of the unexpected.
I'm sure, years after they graduate, his students will look back and say,"Mr. Stobbe... awesome and amazing teacher. That guy pushed me beyond what I thought I could do."
Posted by "Brady Lee" on January 22, at 7:50 a.m.
Mr. Stobbe defines the word "eccentric" very well. You never know what's going to happen with him around. I learned so much in his class, and joined journalism because he had made such an impact on me.
Posted by "Brianna Carlson" on January 22, at 7:50 a.m.
First off, Suzanna, Mr. Stobbe's character just protrudes through this article! Great job!
Secondly, Mr. Stobbe, you most definitely take the cake for "Most Crazy Teacher." You have way too much fun teasing us, and the truth is - we really enjoy it!
Thanks for filling our high school years with odd stories and strange inside jokes!
Posted by "Brittany Stobbe" on January 22, at 7:50 a.m.
Great job, Suzanna! I enjoyed this article so much! It brought back so many memories I have shared with my dad at FC over the past 16 years.
I have learned so much and cherished every moment from the first days of listening from behind the chalkboard, to the moment we embraced in the graduation line. I loved spending time there with him.
Despite the difficulties I experienced from him as the teacher's daughter, I am able to appreciate his drive and passion for not only learning but also for the success of his students.
Although I am able to continue to learn from him outside of the classroom, I still miss walking into English and journalism to see him at the head of the desks.
Love you always, Dad!
Posted by "Andrew Rurik" on March 1, at 7:50 a.m.
Stobbe --
Every comment these people have written is so true. You're tough as nails, completely intimidating, a bit of a tyrant, and you demand way beyond what people like me think we can achieve.
Back in '08 when I was an under-capable Webmaster facing the daunting task of relaunching The Feather, I hated coming into your class daily because I knew you'd ask what's new, what have I done, so forth. Every time you'd hold up those seven fingers signifying "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" I just wanted to toss my computer out the window.
But you saw past the little frustrated junior who thought he was at some lower level and pushed me to a place I thought was completely impossible. And we won!
You're completely out of your mind. And I love you to death. High school wouldn't have been anywhere close to the same without you barking down my back every day for three years. You're a great man, a great ally, a great motivator and you see what people are capable of and push them past what they think is their breaking point until they get to where you know they can be.
Oh by the way, I'm completely depressed I didn't get to see you/your reactions during the Canada vs. USA game. I'm sure it was legendary; I can only imagine what it was like.
Anyway I'll end with this: thank you, Stobbe. As it should be pretty obvious by now from all of these comments, you've played a pretty substantial role in a lot of people's lives, shaping their high school experience in both English and journalism and preparing them for the rest of their lives.
Biola, CA