When I first started teaching at this school way back in the 80's, (yes, I'm getting old) the movie "The Terminator" was very popular. Also, way back then, my room was a trailer near the back of the school. It actually still exists. It's the skinny one next to the largest portable that houses gifted classrooms. I think my old trailer is used for storage now.

Anyway, roaches and lizards and all sorts of creeping things would get into the room almost every day. Of course this wreaks havoc when you've got a room full of elementary age kids! So every time a creepy-crawly got inside, I had a special thick folder that I used to smash it. While smashing the creature I would typically say:

"Hasta lavista, baby!"

Kids thought this was totally hilarious and since my last name is Tillman, it wasn't too far of a stretch for them to start calling me "The Tillmanator".

Over the years, the name has been passed down through brothers and sisters and friends and it still sticks today.

Back