One cannot tell from this solemn adult portrait pose that Joe was mischievous as a youth in his classroom and, by his own description, a discipline problem. His school met in a one room structure that housed all eight grades. Since graduation from the eighth grade was comparable to a high school diploma today, one can envision grades K through 12 in one setting. That wide span in age and ability presented a myriad of challenges to the teacher and students alike.
 |
| School paddle |
It had been reported that the school in Kamas, Utah, that Joe attended was inadequate. It was said that students were not learning as they should and the community was nearly illiterate. A change was made in the school administration with a new teacher sent to reverse the problem. The teacher determined that the situation was not as serious as reported and left after a season, but she was there long enough to make an impression on Joseph.
One day this wonderful teacher sat Joe down and told him what a nice boy he was and how much she loved him. He said that he "never had such a beating in his life by words with love". I like to think that she helped him realize his name - Goodworth, teaching him that he was Good and had Worth. He desired to please this teacher who saw the good in him and even after her departure from the school, self discipline replaced the rod.
Although due to family circumstances Joe's formal education ended after grade six, he always enjoyed reading and was a good mathematician. The self discipline he learned served him well throughout his lifetime.
