Bayville educator pens inspirational fiction

Bayville’s David Sarles has published his third book, “Two for Nothing,” inspired by his 26 years in the field of education. A work of fiction, the book depicts the journey of an English teacher, which Sarles once was, working at private schools, that include Portledge School, where he was also the dean for the middle school before retiring in 2014.

Working also as the private school’s tennis and cross-country coach, Sarles had many experiences to weave into his narrative about a high school English teacher committed to meeting his students halfway, believing in doing so it will lead them to fully experience their true potential.

Sarles spent much of his 84 years as an educator, but not a typical one; he didn’t encourage his students to memorize their lessons. Sarles demanded more.

“He wanted his students to think for themselves,” explained Evelina, Sarles’ wife, who also once taught at Portledge. “When he taught, he’d ask his students, ‘What do you think?’”
Sarles taught in seven boarding and residential private schools that catered to students with different needs. Some specialized in providing for children with emotional, and/or physical challenges, where controlling behavior was part of the job, while other schools were for high-achieving students.

“The memories are indelible,” he said. “I’m a sensitive person and was touched by the failures and successes of the students. This is reflected in my book.”

Teaching to Sarles has always been a two-way street, he said, where his goal was always to inspire.

“I was always able to calm students down and get out what was bothering them, especially during athletics,” he said. “Athletics became a good outlet for what students’ were feeling. I always tried to get my teams to jell, and I found gratification when I could do this.”
Students able to come together on the field were more successful in the classroom.

“In my classroom things began to click and they would respond to the lessons,” he said. “I taught in seven school, day schools and boarding and in every situation athletics and classroom situations bonded.”

Sarles used music to teach creative writing at Portledge. “My love of music has been lifelong,” he said. “I’ve been in many church choirs. It was very gratifying to be able to sit in the middle of group of students and burst into song to show them the beat in poetry.”

Sarles, 84, is originally from Kansas. But he left to attend college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He came to Long Island to pursue his graduate studies, which is where he met his wife.

Sarles is a member of Christ Church’s choir. He’s known around the village as someone who often visits elderly residents with his wife to offer them assistance. Helping others is important to them both.

“David is a very thoughtful person who really cares about people,” Evelina said. “His book is magical. Very human.”

Sarles said his book is unique because not many people have been had a private school education.

“I try to write to inform, to try to inspire, to move a reader,” he explained. “If I can capture a reader to be moved, I will find gratification in myself.”

People may be puzzled while reading the book, he said, perhaps because there are many characters, but three do dominate. There are also several different dialects throughout the book, something that Sarles said he excels at.

“I have a pretty good ear for student dialogue,” he said. “My dialogue is informal. What I really did was write about what I experienced. I’m hoping it will interest people.”

It took Sarles 35 years to complete “Two for Nothing.”

Sarles a former competitive runner, participated in three New York City marathons. These days he starts his day by engaging in an hour and a half walk.

“Then I go into my cubbyhole in the basement and spend two and a half hours either looking at older material, rewriting it or writing new things,” he said. “I’m trying to work on a screen version for one of my older books.”