Schools Taught at...
Mr. Richard has had the opportunity to work at six different schools!
Washington Academy
As Washington Academy acquired a new weight/fitness room, equipment, and consequently a new class, they hired me because of my expertise in weight lifting, kinesiology, health and physical education. I designed an innovative curriculum to teach a new personal fitness class involving comprehensive lessons applicable to a lifelong healthy future. I was awarded teacher of the quarter for developing a successful class with measurable improvements in health and intellect.
I believe that positive interaction with students outside the classroom is imperative for true role modeling. Being the head wrestling and track coach gave me an extra opportunity to teach students about sportsmanship, working hard and even attain high moral standards. I am proud of coaching my wrestlers to the state competition, with one winning the state title. In track I also coached several athletes to compete at place at the state level, with one winning and competing in the New England championship meet.
Being an international dorm director also gave me the opportunity to infuse cultures and integrate origins which enlightens and enriches all involved. It was a joy of mine to take students fishing, kayaking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, swimming and more. As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to passionately enhance the lives of as many students as possible.
Lubec Consolidated Schools
During my first year of teaching at Lubec Consolidated Schools I accomplished numerous goals. I was the physical education and health teacher for grades PreK-12. Happily, I was given the task of developing both the physical education and health curriculum for every grade level. As a physical education teacher I introduced several new games and activities to my students while teaching them the skills and knowledge in order for them all to be successful. I was able to take my students on field trips to high ropes courses, where we overcame fears and learned teamwork skills. Working with the producer of Fly Rod & Reel, I was one of the first teachers in the state of Maine to acquire L.L. Bean fly rods and reels and take my students fly fishing. My joy of coaching and personal desire for student growth, lead me to be the head coach of high school track and middle school basketball. With overall school health as a priority of mine I headed a school health committee and lead a fitness program for the teachers after school. For the students, I volunteered my time to teach additional gymnastics after school because of the high functional body acuity it develops in young children.
To get the community involved in being active and healthy I started a successful basketball and volleyball league as well as helped with a softball league already established.
Outside the realm of teaching I started and ran a recycling program that the school desperately needed. The school also lacked any kind of emblem for school spirit, so I painted “Lubec Hornets” across the expanse of the gym wall and actual hornet paintings as well.
With the extreme need of male role models in the school I was a “Big brother” to students with special needs. I am proud of the work I accomplished and lives that I changed while at Lubec Consolidated Schools.
AOS 96
Teaching at four schools from PreK-8th grade, I have had the opportunity to reach 310 students, with varying class sizes, age and administration. In this physical education and health position, I created the diverse curriculum, took students swimming, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, and of course integrated many individual and team games/activities. Participating in the American Heart Association/Jump Rope for Heart activity day we raised over 800 dollars towards heart research and families in need. As a way to involve the community and school I organized a team to participate in the “Polar Bear Plunge” which involves jumping into a giant hole cut out of the ice and swimming to the other side. Our team raised over one thousand dollars for children with disabilities. Along with teaching, I coached cross country, ran a six month after school gymnastics program and volunteered to help with sporting activities from basketball concessions to painting lines on the baseball field. For added equipment, I applied to a community grant and received $2,800 dollars in physical education equipment and $800 to spend on improving gardens to teach students about healthy eating and growing fresh fruit and vegetables. I have thoroughly involved myself in the schools and enjoyed this teaching position.