Jackson Teacher Gets RSC’s Help Second Time--50 Years Later
In 2005, Mike Eisnaugle, a teacher and guidance counselor at
Jackson Middle School, remembered the tuition assistance he
received from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC)
30 years earlier as an amputee in college. This time the issues
were saving the job he loved was not ready to forego (three
decades in education) and retaining his mobility and
independence.
That
year “Mr. E,” the school’s affectionate nickname for Eisnaugle,
faced hip surgery, a long recovery and life in a wheelchair. It
was his second life-changing event. A half century earlier,
Mike’s cancerous right leg was amputated. Since age five he has
been getting around on crutches. Though many teachers retire
after 30 years, Mike said he would not be one of them. He still
loved his job.
Wisely, Mike contacted RSC’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
office in Athens before his hip operation. Within a week
counselors began assessing the accommodations that would be
needed for Mike to work in a new middle school, live in his
120-year-old family home, and drive his pickup truck after
recovery. “Agencies like RSC getting behind people [with
disabilities] are keys to success,” says Mr. E.
Jackson Middle School’s new principal quickly understood the
value of retaining the well-known guidance counselor, who
typically goes above and beyond his role. His return to school
symbolizes courage and devotion to young teenagers under his
wings. Youngsters also seem fascinated with the scooter that
propels Mike through the halls.
The lifelong Jackson resident has relied on RSC to become an
educator and to keep on educating. That assistance has certainly
paid off. Mr. E’s counsel is trusted and respected by
generations of former students and colleagues.
