High school teacher and politician Ernest Greenwood of New York

Throughout American history, there are many examples of fine educators who went on to successful careers in politics. One of these is Ernest Greenwood, a teacher and principal who also served in the US House of Representatives.

Ernest was born November 25, 1884, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, English. As a young boy, he attended public schools in Halifax, and as a young man he attended the Evening Technical Institute and College. From 1905 to 1906 Ernest was employed at an  engineering firm in Sheffield, and from 1907 to 1910 he was employed at an engineering firm in Halifax.

Ernest left his position in Halifax he immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized citizen. He secured employment with the General Electric Company in Schenectady. He worked there until 1914, when he decided to change careers and become an educator. To earn his degree, Ernest first attended City College of New York and then Columbia University.

But in 1914, World War I was in full swing. To contribute to the war effort, Ernest became a member of the committee on Census and Inventory of Military Resources. In addition, the new teacher inaugurated his career in Schenectady public schools, where he taught from 1914 to 1916. When he moved to islip, Suffolk County, New York, where he taught at Islip High School from 1916 to 1920. From 1920 to 1922, Ernest served as the supervisor of the Federal Board of Vocational Education. In addition, he was the Associate Headmaster for the Dwight School for Boys. From 1922 to 1946, he worked at the New York Preparatory School for Adults, the last 19 as the Headmaster.

During World War II, Ernest served on Islip’s Rationing Board, and in addition he was the Chairman of the Planning Commission for the Board of Education in Bay Shore, New York. He was the Board’s treasurer from 1947 to 1950. He was a Freemason, and a member of the Rotary Club.

In 1950, Ernest inaugurated his career as a politician. He was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent New York’s First District in the 82nd Congress. He served in the US House of Representatives from 1951 to 1953.

Ernest retired from politics in 1954. Sadly, the former educator and politician passed away in Bay Shore on June 15, 1955. He was 70 years old. He is interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Bay Shore.

Retired educator and former Maine State Representative Charles Harlow.

There are many examples of excellent educators who have achieved success in the political arena. One of these is Charles Harlow, a teacher who has also served as a state representative for his home state of Maine.

Charles was born in Rumford, Oxford County, Maine, on May 25, 1942. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1965 and his Master’s degree in Education in 1968, both from the University of Maine, a public research university located in Orono.

During his long career as an educator, Charles taught at Wells High School (1965-1966), Mexico High School (1966-1968), Mount Blue High School (1968-1971), and finally at Chererus High School (1972-2004).

While still teaching, Charles inaugurated his career as a politician with his election to the City Council for Portland, Maine. He served in that position from 1990 to 1999. During those years, Charles also served a term as the the city’s honorary mayor. In 2004, the former teacher was elected to the Maine House of Representatives on the Democratic ticket. He served in that body representing the 116th District until 2010.

Charles Harlow suffers from health issues and is now retired, from both teaching and politics. He still lives in Maine.