From two state teacher of the year winners to biotech at Norton High to a tree walk at Wheaton, I've spent a lot of time back in school lately.

Thank my Dad for that.

Because when your Dad still loves being at the chalkboard after more than 40 years, every school story is a tribute. I actively look for them. And I put a little more oomph into them.

Every time I meet a local educator for a story, one of the first things I say is, "My Dad is a teacher, too."

Herman Gelbwasser just started his 43rd year teaching chemistry and mathematics at Mt. Wachusett Community College in Gardner, just south of the New Hampshire border. He's an institution at the Mount. He joined the faculty a year after the college opened. The walk-in closet he calls his office hasn't moved in ages. He knows every security guard, every custodian and most of the teachers.

And his bounce is contagious.

Several thousand lab reports and a couple dozen grade books into his career, the good classes still energize him. The not-so-good ones, well, don't, but that's OK.

Because the good students love him, despite his penchant for bad jokes.

Check this out: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2204887449.

This Facebook page is called "Herman Gelbwasser's Chem Kids."

"We sat through 10 weeks of Hermie Gelb's 3 hr lectures (dont forget the labs!) three times a week during our most precious summer hours. Were we mad about it? No...we loved every second of it because of the grand master of chemical knowledge HERMAN GELBWASSER. I mean, the name speaks for itself. Born and raised and brooklyn and a die hard sox fan? Always has chalk on his pants, shirt, face?

"This group has a responsibility to keep the memory of Hermie alive and allow the newly formed gang of chem bandits to come together and keep in touch."

The site surprised him.

But when he heard who was behind it, he remembered the students clearly. He said he loved that class.

Growing up, we'd drive down to Brooklyn, N.Y., to see the grandparents. And former students came out of the woodwork no matter which rest stop we hit in Connecticut.

And he remembered them all.

My Mom, Bonnie, says it still happens when they go out to eat. Or shopping.

My Dad, the celebrity.

It's fitting.

We've all had teachers who have inspired us. I'm lucky enough to be the son of one.

So when you read a school feature story with my name on it, please do me a favor.

Thank my Dad.

MICHAEL GELBWASSER is a Sun Chronicle staff writer. He can be reached at 508-236-0439 or at mgelbwasser@thesunchronicle.com.