In 1988, and fresh out of college with a degree in physical education, Rich Hamberger envisioned a lengthy career in education. Fast forward 34 years, and he has accomplished just that – just not quite in the field he envisioned.
After college, Hamberger was unable to find a physical education position. Luckily, a friend was able to get him an interview at BOCES, although in a different area of education.
“I became a special education teacher assistant for a couple years, and this was back on the old campus,” Hamberger said. “And then one of the teachers left, so I was offered the position. The only catch was I needed to go back to school and get my special education credits. So that’s what I did.”
While teaching during the day (and caring for his family), Hamberger attended school in the evening and completed the 33 credits necessary to become certified as a special education teacher. But his learning didn’t stop there.
“After that, I needed to get my Master’s Degree, so I went to SUNY Oswego to do so in Elementary Education,” Hamberger said. “So now I have triple certification in physical education, special education and elementary education.”
After 34 years on the job, it’s safe to say Hamberger is more than happy with his decision to remain a career special education teacher.
“It’s been great. All of the special education directors have been awesome, and everyone has been great to work with,” he said. “If you’re having a problem, just ask for guidance. Go seek them out. They’re more than happy to help you.”
Moreover, Hamberger is also pleased to have worked at BOCES for more than three decades, likening the organization to a family.
“I was sick back in 2008. I almost had to have a liver transplant. And the BOCES family did a lot of things for me. It was awesome,” he said. “There is a family element here, and they’re supportive.”
Hamberger said support he’s received within his classroom has also been great throughout the years.
“The staff that I’ve had in my room over the years have been amazing. They always try to get me Christmas presents,” he said. “And I tell them, ‘What you do throughout the year is present enough.’ But they still get me things anyways.”
After 30-plus years, Hamberger said his students are what continues to motivate him to keep pushing ahead.
“They’re here because they struggle in other places. So, they’re here and they need us. I know that they need direction and place to belong. Just like I did when I was out of college and came here,” he said. “I’m a realist. I don’t paint a pretty picture for them. I’m just real with them. I let them know what they need to do, and I hold them accountable and responsible.”
Hamberger – who is known as “Mr. H” to his students – and his class recently participated in an activity where each student had to write something positive about each of their classmates and teachers. One student wrote to Mr. Hamberger and said, “Stern and firm.”
“That’s a compliment. He knows Mr. H is going to be stern and firm. That’s his expectation from me. And that’s who I need to be with him because that’s what helps him,” he said.
Asked what advice he would give to new staff members, Hamberger said to keep working until you find things start to click and work for the students.
“You’re in a good place. This is a great organization that will support you,” he said. “But you’ll have to put in the work. Just keep grinding and don’t get stagnant. Come up with different things and find what works best.”
Outside of work, Hamberger has been coaching swimming at Auburn High School for 26 years. His 2006-2007 boys varsity team won the Section 3 Swim Title. He has been an avid swimmer his whole life, as he was a member of the Auburn High School and Cortland State University swim teams. Hamberger also enjoys golf.
“I’m not very good at it, but that doesn’t matter,” Hamberger said about golf. “Just like teaching, you try to change a few things to improve your game.”