Eddie B is a fast-talking teacher, turned comedian. The Houston native gained a wealth of material during his eleven years of teaching public school. The comedian, who performs at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on December 8, brings a power-packed show filled with jokes about “what teachers experience every single day, but can never say out loud.”
Growing up in Texas, Eddie never dreamed he would be a teacher. In fact, as you can probably imagine, he was a goofball in class. “I was always the class clown. I just couldn’t help it.” Eddie said. “I would get in trouble all of the time for being the class clown.” When asked if he dreamed of being a teacher or comedian he said, “No. I just (thought) that I was going to play in the NFL, or either be a pediatrician.”
Yet, the class clown became a teacher. His tenure as a teacher provided Eddie with an endless source of material his shows. However, it took a leap of faith to go from the classroom to the stand-up stage … and this leap was not one he took lightly. However, he tells us the time was just right. “It was just time. God pushed me out!” He went on to explain, “I was a comedian before I started teaching. Transition is inevitable. When it is time to go, it’s time to go!”
Eddie taught in the classroom for 11 years before making a huge career change. Though he still can’t seem to stay away from the classroom, “I still volunteer at the school I worked at last year, and I visit schools to talk to tired teachers all across the US.”
When asked if he plans to return to teaching full time, he responded, “I taught for 11 years. I really don’t plan to go back to the classroom, but I’m not about to say what I won’t do anymore.”
His shows are extremely popular all across the U.S. with tour stops selling out in a matter of minutes. He credits the success of his shows to his relatability. “[My stories] speak to the hearts of all educators who feel the weight and stresses of teaching. They hear the things that they want to say but don’t, so it is an outlet.”
While Eddie jokes about things kids say in class, how little teachers are paid, and the insanity of parents skipping parent-teacher conferences, he did have one teacher growing up whom he will never forget. “My favorite teacher was Ms. Fisher who was my first-grade teacher and my crush.”
“I’m still looking for her.” (We can only hope Ms. Fisher will read this, and maybe make an appearance at one of his upcoming shows.)
Being a teacher is no easy job, as Eddie acknowledges. “One of the biggest challenges I was faced with as being a teacher was learning the curriculum, and finding my own teaching style.” Though he couldn’t recall the funniest memory he has of being a teacher, he did say, “…that the funniest moments are created by the kids. The things that they try to get away with, and don’t are very funny!”
Traveling across the country, he has met so many awesome teachers. In speaking with many, he says, “I’ve met so many different types of teachers with various styles and approaches to teaching.” He continued, “…I find it funny how some teachers have the best ideas but need more classroom management. Can’t teach without that.”
According the NCES, there are approximately 3.2 million teachers in the U.S. With many first time teachers beginning their careers at the beginning of this school year, we were curious what advice Eddie has for them. “Stay prayerful!” He said. “Just stay true to who you are as a person, and understand that the true reward is the students.”
For more information about Eddie, and his upcoming tour, you can visit him at https://www.eddiebcomedy.com. Or see his daily rants on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eddiebcomedy/.
Eddie B performs live at The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on Friday December.
–Jenna Garvin
