Mike Wallace: this month, he is stepping down from 60 Minutes. We asked the acclaimed journalist for a few minutes of his own to talk about education

What is the most memorable story you covered on education?

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Everything is a little bit about education. I once did a piece for 60 Minutes on the KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools. I was moved by them. The teachers are tough. They come in early, stay late, come in on Saturday morning. The response was extraordinary.

What kind of job do you think the media does at covering schools and education?

It's a sensible question. When I was in Japan, I admired how much attention and respect was given to education. It's true that there is so much that is bad on TV and an awful lot of good that is going on in schools.

What was school like for you growing up?

Oh, I'm too damned old. I graduated high school in 1935. I walked a mile each way to and from school--quite a journey. I was lucky to grow up in Brookline, Massachusetts, with a first-rate public school system and teachers that took it seriously and made it entertaining.

Who do you remember most?

An English teacher, James Flemming, at Brookline High School. He made me want to write, want to use my imagination. He was a help in forming what it was I wanted to be--although I didn't realize it at the time.

Is it true that you are a serious grammarian?

My grammar teacher, Biddy Graham--One word misplaced and she'd stop the class and say, "No, that is not right." I've been a perfectionist and a bore about grammar ever since. I'll be interviewing a celebrated figure and he'll say "myself" instead of "me" and I'll point it out.

How does that go over?

Usually, they look at me like I'm a nutcase.

What was your favorite childhood book?

I liked poetry then and now.

What would you like to see children learning?

Our society now is awash in communication. We are informed, reinformed, and informed once again. But I'm not always certain that we know how to think, to analyze. So much depends upon what a teacher tries to do in encouraging analysis, at looking at the reasons behind what is true or not true.

Did you ever consider teaching?

I first wanted to be an English teacher. It's a hell of a job. It's a wonderful thing helping to mold the next generation.

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