Happy Retirement, Bob!

A Remarkable Teacher-Leader-Unionist-and-PD Professional Turns the Page for a New Lesson in Life

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It is an honor and privilege for the FEA Professional Development department to pay tribute to Bob Husbands. Bob retired on July 31, 2010. Bob lived the life of teacher-leader to the fullest and touched many people across the education landscape. Each of us shares a scrapbook of memories that capture the places, events and people that influenced this remarkable educator.

Bob attended Manor High School in Ware County, Georgia where he played good basketball and graduated as valedictorian. Bob then went on to Oglethorpe University on a scholarship and served as president of his class for several years. After graduation, Bob returned to Ware County where he began teaching art to middle school students. He continued his own education at the master’s level and earned degrees in history and educational leadership. At the height of the Vietnam War, though he had a Peace Corps assignment and was in the teaching force, Bob was drafted into the Navy. After a difficult tour of duty full of stories that would rival McHale’s Navy television scripts, Bob returned to teaching. His strong academic focus, diligent work ethic and engaging personality made Bob a very popular teacher during his nine year appointment. At a time when NEA affiliates included teachers and administrator, Bob was elected president of his local association. Bob was named assistant principal then became principal when the principal left during the year.

Bob’s teaching, administration and union leadership experiences prepared Bob for the second phase of his impressive 45 year career as union staff. He was deeply involved in merging the still segregated black and white associations, as well as unifying local, state and national membership at the time when one could choose to join only the local. Tall, dark and handsome Bob met the lovely, energetic and intelligent Gail through the GAE. Bob was asked to drive Gail, a candidate for the NEA board, to a dinner party for up-and-coming women leaders. They were married five months later. The day after their wedding the Georgia legislature was called back into session to rescind teacher raises. Both Bob and Gail worked the special session then left for the NEA convention in Los Angeles where they finally had their honeymoon. For more than 30 years, the Husbands celebrated their anniversary with thousands of NEA delegates and the Fourth of July fireworks in cities across the US.

In 1978 Bob left GAE to work as associate executive director with Jade Moore at the Pinellas Classroom Teachers’ Association (PCTA). Bob loved the work and formed lasting friendships with the local leaders and staff. It was not surprising that Bob was asked to return to PCTA when his mentor, Jade, died unexpectedly in December of 2008. Bob’s skill, knowledge, compassion, and understanding helped PCTA navigate through the extraordinary challenges precipitated by grief and loss.

Bob, Gail and their son, Collin, moved to Pensacola in 1987 when Bob was selected to be the Executive Director for Escambia Education Association (EEA). He worked diligently on membership, bargaining, day-to-day association management, district committees, and professional issues for 18 and a half years. When Gail was elected as EEA president, Bob joined the FEA staff in the Professional Development department where he did the work he most believed in – helping teachers be the professionals that are needed to move Florida’s students to their highest potential. As a part of this good work, he coordinated the FEA National Board actions and supported the local efforts of affiliate locals with FEA National Board Certified Teacher members.

There have been numerous highlights and many honors along the way. The Escambia PTA’s County Council presented Bob with a lifetime membership, their highest award, for outstanding service to children and youth. He was selected to be a Fulbright Scholar in India. Perhaps the most notable highlight occurred in 1968. Bob was invited by Ethel Kennedy to attend Bobby’s funeral in recognition of his significant and valuable efforts in raising funds for the JFK library.

Bob’s FEA colleagues and the many teachers, students, administrators, parents, support professionals surely have learned from and depended on this education champion. In addition to benefiting from Bob’s principles, many educators have gained from his knowledge and skill. He generously shared his expertise, worked diligently and consistently, provided sound counsel and an empathetic ear.

Saying goodbye is bittersweet. Bob has touched many people's lives, so positively. He leaves a wonderful legacy of service, compassion, attentiveness and care. We miss him terribly, but we are delighted that Bob and Gail will have time to pursue new dreams and enjoy their “little man”, grandson Jackson, their son, Colin and his wife Katherine.

We wish you all the best. Godspeed, Bob.