‘I Bring Real World Experience’
Cover letter
Like many who have watched the current school board, I often wonder if their decisions have anything to do with education.
The results of those decisions seem to say “no”! With test scores just barely above average, they brag. Their focus seems to be on buildings and on hardball politics.
I’ve spent the last 14 years of my life in education. My maternal grandfather has always been my model of a good educator.
His doctorate in English from Harvard University is an example of the thirst for excellence he instilled in me.
The high school that he was principal of for 25 years was, during his tenure, a model for academic achievement that is still riding high because of the accountability that he inspired in his teachers, students, and most of all the school board.
My maternal grandmother taught by his side in the same building, history being her specialty.
When I told them of my desire to educate, following in their footsteps, I was told immediately by both of them, “Be the best you can be and be responsible for the decisions you make.”
After my education at Westminster Choir College, I became the youngest associate conductor of the Kent Singers, and a founding member, as well as associate conductor of the St. Peters Symphonic Orchestra.
My achievements were recognized by the Lake George Opera Festival and I worked a season for them. I taught music in the local public schools.
In Post Falls, before I was even a year in residence. I helped form the River City Chamber Singers and I now teach at Classical Christian Academy.
While I’m sure my opponent’s ideals are no less lofty than mine, I bring the real world experience of a classroom teacher to the job. I TEACH for a living.
I will strive for excellence. I will not rest until the results show that we have made a real difference for all of our students, both in their standardized tests and their preparation for the real world.
We currently have a school board that is made up of farmers and lawyers and others who have no teaching experience.
Why are there no teachers? Why doesn’t the board deal with education? Perhaps because they only hear from administrators not teachers.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for healing the divisions in our town. It’s time to put REAL excellence back in our schools and put education first.
RESUME OF RICHARD WHEELER Education Westminster Choir College, master classes with Leonard Bernstein, Riccardo Muti, Claudio Abbado, Alan Held
Employment Classical Christian Academy, music teacher Private music teacher Danbury High School, music teacher, 1990-92
Community involvement Male Ensemble Northwest, 1997-present Immaculate Conception Church, men’s choir director, 1996-97 River City Chamber Singers, founder/director, 1995-present Lake George Opera Company, house director, 1994 St. Peter’s Symphonic Society, tenor section leader, associate conductor, 1991-94 Private voice studies, 1987-94