Vestal Middle School teacher Darren Herman is enjoying a typical Wednesday afternoon with his sixth grade English class, a career that began for him 27 years ago, but got exposed to Herman during his childhood.  

"My mom was a helper and is a helper. And I if I had to look back and say what was the sort of thing that really pushed me off into that this direction, it's my need to help people," Herman said. 

After majoring in elementary education and receiving a masters in literacy, Herman began his teaching career in South Carolina before moving to Vestal. Herman taught for a short stint teaching first grade at African Road Elementary, but ultimately fell in place at vestal middle school, where he has been ever since.  

Dedication is one of the main keys for the sixth grade ELA teacher, always making sure his classroom can be a second home. 

"It's not just about the amount of work I put in, but I put a lot of time and effort into also creating a space here. You know, for kids, it is inviting and it is always changing," Herman said. 

For Herman, it's not just teaching the daily cursive or grammar assignments, but life lessons and how to power through them. 

"My job is really to try to help them see like, it's okay, it's struggling, it's part of life, and that my job is to help ease the struggle and help them to learn," Herman said.

Even though 27 years can seem like a long time, the veteran teacher embraces it and says seeing his past students are some of his biggest motivations. 

"It's those former students who come back and say, you know, hey, Mr. Herman, 'I got to remember when you did this' or, 'Oh my God, Mr. Herman Wow.' and still as adults out in the community," Herman said. 

For all of his student's out there, Herman has one piece of advice.

"Keep learning. It's a journey. This is all a journey to get you to another place and which involves more learning," Herman said. "So a school is a great opportunity. Don't waste it."