Gerry Bertier was an outstanding high school athlete who became a symbol of triumph against adversity and dedication to social change. Teaching students about his journey not only educates them about an influential historical figure but inspires empathy, determination, and unity. In this article, we will discuss the life of Gerry Bertier, his impact on society, and the importance of incorporating his story into lesson plans.
Understanding Gerry Bertier’s Life and Achievements:
Gerry Bertier was an integral part of the famed 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia. As captain, he contributed to the team’s victory in the state championship amidst a racially tense climate – their story was immortalized in the Disney movie “Remember the Titans.” In 1971, a car accident tragically left Bertier paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this life-altering event, he continued to push boundaries by becoming a Paralympian and a vocal advocate for accessibility rights for disabled individuals.
The Impact of Teaching Gerry Bertier’s Story:
1. Encouraging Empathy: By sharing Gerry Bertier’s experiences with racism and his struggle to adapt to life after a spinal cord injury, educators cultivate empathy within their students. This understanding will encourage students to appreciate unique struggles and develop an inclusive mindset towards others.
2. Inspiring Determination: Gerry’s unwavering perseverance against various hardships is a testament to the human spirit. By learning about his journey, students will understand that obstacles can be conquered with hard work, inner strength, and resilience.
3. Promoting Unity: When Gerry stood alongside his teammates from diverse backgrounds and acknowledged their shared goals, he helped bridge gaps between different races on and off the field. Incorporating cultural diversity lessons into schools ensures that students learn respect and celebrate differences among one another.
4. Advocating Social Change: Following the car accident, Bertier used his platform to actively rally for better accessibility rights, aiming to make the world more equitable for disabled people. Teaching students about his activism highlights the importance of using one’s voice for positive change and encourages students to be socially responsible citizens.
Methods of Integrating Gerry Bertier’s Story in Lessons:
1. Literature study: Assigning novels or biographies that focus on racial tensions in sports or stories about overcoming disability will allow students to better understand Bertier’s context and experiences.
2. Film analysis: Screening “Remember the Titans” as a part of a film study helps students appreciate how Bertier’s story was adapted into a compelling movie and encourages discussions on race relations, teamwork, and leadership.
3. Guest speakers: Inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds who have overcome adversity could provide personal accounts that echo themes from Gerry Bertier’s life.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Gerry Bertier opens their eyes to the power of perseverance, empathy, unity, and social change. By integrating his story into lesson plans, educators have the opportunity to shape the development of compassionate and driven individuals who will carry on Bertier’s legacy of breaking boundaries and championing equality.
