Fayetteville, Arkansas -Behind every great teacher is a great mentor who ignited his passion for education long ago.
For science teacher Clay Morton, that guiding light was Dr. Walt Manger.
“There was nothing he wouldn't do for his students,” Morton told CBS News. “You know, he's an absolutely disgusting guy. There's my parents, and there's Walt.”
Manger was Morton's Geology Professor at the University of Arkansas. Morton took a geology class to fulfill a science requirement, never imagining it would become his major and eventually his profession. The professor who sparked that passion was Manger, a renowned geologist who became her thesis advisor and mentor.
“I took every class he taught,” Morton said. “I was a lab instructor. I really admired him. He was passionate and charming and the kind of teacher who would do anything to help you. If you were sick, he'd pay for your doctor's appointment. He was always there to help with anything you needed.”
Morton says they remained close for a while after leaving college, but eventually lost touch.
That is, until a few years ago, when Morton learned that Manger had Alzheimer's disease.
The thought of all that talent and gentlemanliness going to waste was more than Morton could bear. Therefore, he tried to save his talent as much as possible.
The plan was to meet monthly at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Morton teaches. Manger is taken to school by his wife Peggy, where they see his wealth of geological knowledge.
“He doesn't remember where my room is,” Morton said. “He doesn't remember what we talked about last time. But he knows we do.”
They look at old geology slides of Mangar. In the beginning, Manger could explain each drawing in great detail and Morton would take notes.
However, three years later, Manger doesn't even remember taking most of them.
“It's very hard to watch him,” Morton said. “But it's still the best week of the month… because he's still Walt. He still laughs. He's still funny, he's still willing to help you with anything. Yes, I Can't imagine where I would be without Walt.”
That's why Morton plans to continue these sessions as long as Manger is able. And why he would always end each one with the same words of gratitude:
Morton told Manger, “I learned almost everything about teaching from you.”
And though Manger will soon forget that compliment, Morton says he actually got it just fine.
“It's good to be able to tell him that over and over again,” Morton said.
