Author chronicles life as substitute teacher at Everett High

Barry Norman discusses “Confessions of a Grateful Substitute Teacher”

By Tara Vocino

A seasoned professional from the film, TV and music industries – after selling a Maine-based movie theater – found himself in an unplanned return to the workforce due to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and published a book regarding his experiences as a substitute teacher at Everett High School. Barry Norman, 66, wrote “Confessions of a Grateful Substitute Teacher” (released on May 8), using pseudonyms when describing interactions with actual students, staff and teachers.

“I wanted to protect students’ privacy, but what we’re dealing with is universal,” Norman said in an interview at Panera Bread in Saugus on Sunday afternoon. “Regarding the district’s diversity, some students come from immigration camps and have serious Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

As Norman delved into this unexpected role, he discovered that the high school he joined is the fourth most diverse in the state, boasting a rich tapestry of students from Central and South America, Haiti and Vietnam. Other ways that non-Everett readers can relate are: some students aren’t dressed for colder weather since they come from poor families, and they get depressed before vacation time since their best meal is at school, according to Norman. Norman said parents, paraprofessionals, students, principals and those who don’t work in nor live around education can connect with the book.

“Universally, cellular phone and headphones have rewired these kids’ brains when school work bores them and then it’s back to watching TikTok videos,” Norman said. “Another thing students say is ‘I’m never going to need to know that.”

Norman argues that all of life is math, and that he teaches critical thinking skills to train their brain. He doesn’t just babysit – Norman teaches math or science classes to all grade levels on a daily basis. General Education students can’t graduate from high school unless they pass math and science on the MCAS exam. Approximately 2,400 students attend Everett High School, which is built for a student body of 1,700.

Wearing a “Skittles Collection,” or colorful attire from head to toe, he won Best Dressed last year – voted on by students. Norman has been teaching at Everett High School for three years, and he hopes to retire there at age 70.

“It freaks students out to know that I’m older than some of their grandparents,” Norman said. “But I wake up at 9 a.m. to work out daily, and students say I don’t look my age.” Norman notices that some students with anxiety issues want to sit beside him.

Keeping it local, Norman’s father Paul was an OB-GYN at Ferry Street in Malden, not far from Everett High School. His son didn’t pursue that path, but he is certainly educated. Norman earned his Bachelor’s in American History from Connecticut College, a Master’s in Fine Arts from Boston University in Film Studies and a doctorate in film from Concordia University. Norman is an award-winning filmmaker and he has worked in aviation, television, film and radio previously. An influence was Jack Kerouac, and he admits that he has a unique writing style. It’s his eighth book published.

Norman said he had no idea whether he’d like teaching, but he loves it. He said the COVID-19 pandemic made him realize that he’d have to go back to work instead of retiring.

“I hope people will read the book like it’s a moment in time many years from now,” Norman said. “Students were online for a year and a half, and the way that we learn is different.”

A billboard advertising Norman’s book will be displayed in June on Route 1 South in Saugus near Northeastern Fence. To purchase a copy of the book – published by BearManor Media – visit Barnes & Noble, Amazon or BarryRNorman.com.

“‘Confessions of a Grateful Substitute Teacher’ is a testament to resilience, adaptability and the profound connections that can be forged in the unlikeliest of places. The author’s gratitude for this unexpected chapter in their career shines through, offering readers an insightful and heartwarming perspective on the transformative power of education and human connection,” states BarryRNorman.com.