WOODLAND HILLS : Veteran Teacher Returns as Volunteer

As Ben Rosenberg, 92, entered the library bearing his name at Hale Middle School in Woodland Hills, children and adults stopped to talk. Some embraced him.

Two years after Rosenberg, who taught severely emotionally disturbed children, retired as the oldest paid employee of the Los Angeles Unified School District, he’s back.

“I couldn’t leave the kids,” he said recently. “So I returned as a volunteer.”

Almost any morning, Rosenberg can be found in the huge workroom where he prepares displays for the cases in the main hall. He recently worked on a theme project for Women’s History Month.

Rosenberg’s life was not always one of children, school and volunteerism. It’s a far cry from his days on the French Riviera, where he raced his Ferrari and frequented casinos. He was successful enough in the first 50 years of his life to retire from a large architectural firm.

Rosenberg arrived in Los Angeles from Illinois in 1936 with a wife, two sons and $600 in his pocket. His talent brought him acclaim and commissions for houses in Beverly Hills and Malibu.

“In 1963 everything went to hell,” Rosenberg said. “I began drinking, but in 1975 I was reborn.”

He came to the realization his life had to change, and with the help of a recovery program he kicked the habit and began working with children.

He credits his patience with children to what he learned from the recovery program.

“We have a philosophy that tells me I have to accept people as they are,” Rosenberg said. “I can’t change them and I can’t make them do what I want by screaming.”

Hale Principal Jean Leighton said the school community welcomes Rosenberg.

“Ben is an inspiration to all of us,” Leighton said. “He’s there for the kids and they all adore him and love to talk to him.” Rosenberg has other interests, such as assisting in the drama program, and appearing on local radio.

But teaching remains his passion.

“I’ll never leave the school,” Rosenberg said. “Teaching keeps me alive.”