Making a Difference: Dr. Richard Thomas
He was a university professor who walked away from a job that could lead to tenure. His reason was to teach high school, because he thought he’d have a greater impact on young minds. This is someone who really cares about teaching. This is Dr. Richard Thomas.
Dr. Thomas, or “Dr. T” as his students affectionately call him, came to Northwest High School in 2006 with the intent to impact students of all ages. That’s why he teaches on all four grade levels. Students sense the passion Thomas puts in his work and repay him with respect. “We have discussions that are deeper than surface- level, and he makes what we are studying interesting,” said a student in Thomas’ honors biology class.
Thomas mixes lectures with field trips to get students out of the classroom and in touch with the natural world. His asks his students to keep nature journals. According to Thomas, “Journaling heightens their awareness and teaches them to look for change in nature.” Change is a theme that Thomas encourages students to embrace. “I am teaching a class on global climate to address the continuing changes the world is experiencing. This generation is more aware of earth issues, and I try to keep my classes informed. This is a subject I want them to think about.”
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Dr. Thomas and student conduct field research for insect populations.
His influence goes beyond the classroom. Former students stay in touch, and Thomas is a regular fixture at sporting events. He keeps a bulletin board in his classroom filled with news clippings highlighting students’ achievements in sports. “Dr. Thomas is an outstanding educator,“ said Principal Angelo Kidd. “Not only does he give his students support in the classroom, he also supports them in extra-curricular events.”
Former students say Thomas leaves a lasting impression. According to Chad Campbell, GCS media manager, “I can honestly say that Dr. Thomas was one of the most influential individuals in my life. As a teacher, he taught me to think. As a coach, he motivated me to win. As a friend, he inspired me to make a difference.”
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