# News-Journal/1968/Lake Helen Man Works, Studies So He Can Teach Slow Learners

Leonard Andrew Lattin I (1861-1930) in the News-Journal on July 13, 1968.
Former Janitor Carves New Career.
Lake Helen Man Works, Studies So He Can Teach Slow Learners
Special By Lewis Livingston. Gainesville, Florida. A 43 year old former grade school janitor is preparing himself for a new career in education at the University of Florida, because, as he puts it, "I got tired of seeing kids fall by the wayside in regular classrooms.' Five years ago Leonard Lattin was a janitor in tiny Lake Helen Elementary School. (He shuns the modern term "custodian.") That's when he resolved to help youngsters who are either emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded or just slow learners. Enrolling in Daytona Beach Junior College, Lattin began night classes. After three years he qualified for admission to the University of Florida's College of Education. Presently he's in Summer session, looking forward to obtaining a bachelor's degree in special education next March. What He Wanted To Do. Lattin admittedly led a checkered life after his graduation from high school 25 years ago. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II and jokes about his military experience, despite the fact that he participated in several tough engagements in the Pacific including Saipan. "I had quite a service record: I blew up a bridge, destroyed three tanks and then they sent me overseas," he says deadpan. Following the war, Lattin became, in his own words, a "drifter." He drove trucks, was an aircraft inspector, then finally a sheet metal worker before his job as janitor. His philosophy, which explains somewhat his decision to enter professional education at middle age, is summed up: "I've always done exactly. what I wanted to do. And, if I felt like doing something new, I went ahead and did that." Commutes On Weekends. Lattin's more or less backdoor entry into education came about in part because, in addition to being janitor, he also was president of the local Parent Teachers Association. Being a parent-with five children ranging from age 11 to 21 and a grandchild - as well as PTA president and school custodian reinforced Lattin's interest in education. Like most married students, Lattin is working as well as carrying a full academic load. His job is as student assistant in the Educational Media Center working under Associate Professor Charles Cate. through history." On weekends, Lattin commutes home to visit his family. Mrs. Lattin is a Volusia County Deputy Sheriff. Plans to Go On. Lattin is not dismayed by the fact that he's a generation ahead of most of his fellow students, nor that he's been away from education for a generation. Of the "youthquake" on today's college campuses, Lattin observes: "It's good to have these things because this is the way change has come almost all through history. He adds: "Student activists probably represent only a small minority on this campus at least, most kids, including the activists, carry packages for ladies and open doors for people." March and the bachelor's degree are not stopping points for Lattin. He has his sights set on a master's degree in school administration. Then, the janitor who got tired of seeing kids fall behind will be ready to do something about it.
New Tool For New Job. Leonard Lattin, right, of the University of Florida's College of Education studies an overhead projector prism with Dr. Charles Cate, director of the Educational Media Center.
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