It’s hard for Woodbury PE teacher Geoffrey Cross to walk through the Woodbury gym at recess without being stopped by eager students vying for his attention. Every time, he stops, squares his shoulders and shares a special handshake---a different one for each student. “I’ll create one for any student who asks me,” says the Class of 2002 Shaker Heights High School alum. So how does Mr. Cross keep the 20+ special handshakes straight? “Practice, a lot of practice,” he offers with his winning smile. Maybe so, but below the surface, Mr. Cross is a teacher who wouldn’t dream of letting a student down because he remembers what it was like to be built up by teachers who believed in him. Learn more about Mr. Cross: 

You’re a Shaker grad. Did you attend Shaker Schools from kindergarten? 
No, I moved to Shaker from East Cleveland after winter break in the fourth grade. It was a big change for me. In East Cleveland, we had uniforms and here, we could wear whatever we wanted. Plus, I felt like I was behind all the other kids. But I had this amazing teacher, Mrs. Eaton, and she believed in me and helped me so much. She’s a big part of the reason why I decided to become a teacher. 

That’s not an easy situation for an adolescent, to have a feeling that you’re not where everyone else seems to be. 
It wasn’t, but I leaned on my mom a lot—she went back to school late in life, so getting an education was very important to her. When I told her that I was having a hard time keeping up, she got me the tutors I needed. Plus, she wouldn’t let me have a “Woe is me” outlook. I think I learned when I came to Shaker how important it was to be secure in who I was. Because when you’re challenged like that, I think it’s easy to end up diminishing who you are. I won’t lie: there were times when I made it difficult for her and for my teachers, but it was so important that I had someone who gave me the wisdom to turn that around. 

How did those experiences shape you as a teacher? 
I’m a champion for all kids, and especially the ones who are disenfranchised. I know the power of one person celebrating your differences and being in you corner. At one point, I was a second grade teacher, but I found that I like being a PE teacher because for me, touching the lives of 25 students isn’t the same as having an impact on 300 or more kids. 

This year, you also became an assistant coach for the High School Swimming Team. Have you ever swum competitively?
No! I’m literally a fish out of water, but I’ve always tried to be a person who honors his work and lives what he speaks. So I’m trying to live a growth mindset. When [Head Shaker Heights High School Swimming Coach and Woodbury Swim Instructor] Eric Peterson approached me, he asked if I would be willing to coach. I thought, “Are you crazy?” But he said that he wanted someone with a background in coaching and who connected with students and could meet people where they are. I’m loud, energetic and passionate and I guess he thought that kind of person would be an asset! I’ve learned so much from these athletes—until now, I didn’t understand the physical toll that swimming takes. But these kids go so hard. And the unrelenting focus they have on their sport is remarkable. 

Anything swimmers do that shocks you?
They spend a lot of time barefoot. On deck, in the locker room, in the halls, in the parking lot. To me, that’s just gross. I’m like “Eeeeewwwwww.” What if they step on something? Gross. 

What does Shaker mean to you?
It’s so much a part of who I am. My wife and I even bought a house here before I started teaching in Shaker because I knew that this was where I wanted my family to be. I know that I wouldn’t be the man, the intellectual, the holistic person I am today without the experience that I had here growing up. And now my three children will have that experience. I am a Raider and I love everything about our District. I am just so grateful for the opportunities that this place has provided for me. It means so much.