BY JEFF BRANSCOME

Jim Andrews never interviewed for a teaching job in Stafford County.

The division’s superintendent at the time, Howard Sullins, sent a letter offering him the position when he was a student at the University of Richmond.

You see, Sullins was principal of James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg when Andrews was a student there.

“I walked in, filled out the application, and I had a job,” Andrews, 67, recalled.

He began teaching English at Stafford High School in 1966. He’s been there ever since and has no plans on leaving.

“I really like the kids,” said Andrews, who lives in Caroline County with Brenda, his wife of 45 years. “I want to know them as people because every one of them is an individual person.”

The Stafford School Board recently recognized him for his 45 years of service. A division spokeswoman called his tenure “record breaking.”

Tough, but willing to help

Andrews isn’t coasting toward retirement despite all his years in the field.

He teaches as part of Germanna Community College’s Dual Enrollment program, which allows students to earn college credits at their high schools.

“I’ve never had a teacher as dedicated as Mr. Andrews,” Stafford High senior Andreas Yancey said.

Two days last week, Andrews stayed at Stafford High until 11 at night helping Andreas and other dual-enrollment students with papers.

At about 8 p.m. Thursday, the smell of popcorn wafted in a Stafford High hallway courtesy of a popper Andrews purchased at a yard sale for $2.

The veteran teacher joked with students and answered their questions in his trademark attire: blue shirt, blue pants, glasses on the bridge of his nose, keys clipped to his belt and brown “Zoo York” skater shoes he bought at a yard sale.

“I didn’t know what they were,” he said of the shoes. “I just put them on, and they were comfortable so I said OK.”

Andrews is tough, but students say he’s always willing to help. He gives them his cellphone number and stays at school until at least 5 p.m. on weekdays.