From Mentoring to Music: Saying goodbye to Frank Turturici as he enters retirement

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FINAL FLICK: Social studies teacher Frank Turturici poses for the last time with the Seniors in his third period Government and Economics class. Over the years, he has been dedicated to forming lasting relationships with his students as well as teaching them the values of life. Photo courtesy of Frank Tuturici

By: Aleksi Holder

In the 15 years that West Broward has been established, many people have come and contributed to the Bobcat community, and in his many years of teaching, Frank Turturici has done more than act as a teacher of his subject but also as a teacher of life lessons. “ Let’s just say I was not the model student in high school and I’ve been through tough times so I can relate to the struggles some students face. I stress to all students that regardless of your current or past experiences, you can do whatever you want in life if you find something that inspires you.”

After 30 years teaching and 10 years at West Broward, another one of our teachers, Frank Turturici is looking forward to retirement. After an extensive career of teaching a variety of subjects, he will leave at the end of this year and move on to pursue a long anticipated career in music.

“I’ve done 30 years. It’s a good round number and I’ve really enjoyed it, but I think now is a good time for me to devote my time to my first passion,” said Frank Turturici.

Originally, Turturici hoped to teach music, specifically guitar, so he acquired his degree from Florida International University in Music education and Elementary education, but once he found out that he would be unable to teach guitar exclusively, he changed directions. Although he did not envision himself in a high school teaching history and economics, he found joy in working with high school students and teaching them the importance of open-mindedness, objectivity and empathy in today’s political climate.

“He’s definitely the senior teacher that everybody respects,” said assistant principal Dave Piroozshad. “He wants them to do well. He cares about the kids.”

Over his years as a high school teacher, he has found an appreciation for the interactions he has had with his students. He is able to acknowledge how they have grown and developed their own thoughts, opinions and talents, and he considers it a privilege to teach them and learn from them. He makes a point to encourage his students and instill a confidence that they may not have previously had.

“This has been a really good school for me, so the kids are really good here and I will miss that,”

Turturici said. “They have developed so many talents and they are like mini adults to me, and I love being in front of them.”

Although both students and staff will miss Turturici’s dedication to his students and easy-going demeanor, they are happy that he is getting the opportunity to retire and pursue his passion for music. After retiring, he plans on continuing to work on his music and aspires to have it played in movies and TV shows .

“Retiring is not the end but the start of something new,” Piroozshad said.