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Phillip S. Quinlan
1869 N. Amber Rd., Scottville, MI 49454 Tel: 231-690-7812, carpdiem@me.com or pquinlan@mccschools.org |
PROFESSIONAL
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Present Projects, Dreams & Aspirations
*The follow are projects and ideas that I have been working on or have already designed that have transformed the learning environment with my students and colleagues.
PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS
Transform Your Learning Journey: Designed to empower students in taking ownership with their learning. A grade level setting in which students would experience a conference/workshop that would include speakers throughout the community coupled with a comprehensive day that would focus on growth. The goal is to institute this concept January 2015 within our grade level team.
Student Portfolio's: Unlimited possibilities! In the age of accountability and data collecting/anaylsis, what better tool to use in which measuring student's growth; STUDENT PORTFOLIO'S. My goal of utilizing the portfolio's was to track students learning journey over the course of time as a true measurement of achievement. Test results, authentic assessments, student reflection and multitude of was collected as evidence.
An Education for our Time: A project that was close to a reality until budget cuts delayed the dream of creating an Academy environment that would encourage collaboration, innovation, integrative technology and a transformation of a school setting. It was inspired by New Country Schools in Henderson, MN summer institute in which a MCC MIddle School team attended. Still a project that I develop as desire to seek in the future.
Bridging 21st Century Learners: A course that I am presently working on for the 2014-15 school year for 7th & 8th graders. The course will be designed to show students the digital tools that are available and in which will enhance their learning journey as it instills proper digital citizenship as they leave their digial footprint on the world.
Digital Magic: Reflective of the annual 2014 MACUL technology conference I attended and coupled with MANY of the concepts/ideas that have been used in my classroom. Examples of students application of these tools would be found within their student portfolio's. The goal of this magic was to establish how instructional technology (intergrated within the curriculum) and the application of best practices would enhances student acheivement.
Your Passport to the World: My Blended Learning platform in which my entire course curriculum map, lesson plans, learning targets and resources are available for students, parents and staff. Search Syllabus for course outline and browse around for various resources.
Spartan News Network: Live television broadcast from Mason County Central Middle School's Spartan News studio shares the daily announcments and special feature stories. A student run program that promotes school events, school features and supports a positive school culture. The furture goal of the program is to stream the news feeds on site using a web-based program as our broadcast seeks to improve its' delivery.
Modular Lab: An innovative STEM's experience that provided middle school students (2006-2009) with an unique learning environment that was student-centered and hands-on. I am seeking to revitalize and to motify this program through a newly design encore course for the 2014-2015 school year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Mason County Wall Project: I am a member of the excecutive committee that is responsible for bring the Vietnam Traveling Wall to Ludington as one of the most amazing veterans event this area has witnessed. I am responsible for marketing, programing and being the emcee for Saturday evenings event.
Mason County Cultural Trails: As part of the Cultural Development Econmoic Plan throughout Mason County and to make Mason County a destination for cultural tourism, I have been authorized as the videographer for this project. The project consist of creating cultural tours using moble devices (by reading QR Codes) throughout Mason County (Click: HERE).
Dumas Strong Campaign: A school and community wide campaign in which raised awareness and funds to support my friend and collegeaue, Scott Dumas, as he recovered from a tragic accident.
West Coast Veterans: An annual event hosted my MCC Middle School that honors our area veterans. Has been noted as one of the finest programs throughout the state (Govenors Award)
*The follow are projects and ideas that I have been working on or have already designed that have transformed the learning environment with my students and colleagues.
PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS
Transform Your Learning Journey: Designed to empower students in taking ownership with their learning. A grade level setting in which students would experience a conference/workshop that would include speakers throughout the community coupled with a comprehensive day that would focus on growth. The goal is to institute this concept January 2015 within our grade level team.
Student Portfolio's: Unlimited possibilities! In the age of accountability and data collecting/anaylsis, what better tool to use in which measuring student's growth; STUDENT PORTFOLIO'S. My goal of utilizing the portfolio's was to track students learning journey over the course of time as a true measurement of achievement. Test results, authentic assessments, student reflection and multitude of was collected as evidence.
An Education for our Time: A project that was close to a reality until budget cuts delayed the dream of creating an Academy environment that would encourage collaboration, innovation, integrative technology and a transformation of a school setting. It was inspired by New Country Schools in Henderson, MN summer institute in which a MCC MIddle School team attended. Still a project that I develop as desire to seek in the future.
Bridging 21st Century Learners: A course that I am presently working on for the 2014-15 school year for 7th & 8th graders. The course will be designed to show students the digital tools that are available and in which will enhance their learning journey as it instills proper digital citizenship as they leave their digial footprint on the world.
Digital Magic: Reflective of the annual 2014 MACUL technology conference I attended and coupled with MANY of the concepts/ideas that have been used in my classroom. Examples of students application of these tools would be found within their student portfolio's. The goal of this magic was to establish how instructional technology (intergrated within the curriculum) and the application of best practices would enhances student acheivement.
Your Passport to the World: My Blended Learning platform in which my entire course curriculum map, lesson plans, learning targets and resources are available for students, parents and staff. Search Syllabus for course outline and browse around for various resources.
Spartan News Network: Live television broadcast from Mason County Central Middle School's Spartan News studio shares the daily announcments and special feature stories. A student run program that promotes school events, school features and supports a positive school culture. The furture goal of the program is to stream the news feeds on site using a web-based program as our broadcast seeks to improve its' delivery.
Modular Lab: An innovative STEM's experience that provided middle school students (2006-2009) with an unique learning environment that was student-centered and hands-on. I am seeking to revitalize and to motify this program through a newly design encore course for the 2014-2015 school year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Mason County Wall Project: I am a member of the excecutive committee that is responsible for bring the Vietnam Traveling Wall to Ludington as one of the most amazing veterans event this area has witnessed. I am responsible for marketing, programing and being the emcee for Saturday evenings event.
Mason County Cultural Trails: As part of the Cultural Development Econmoic Plan throughout Mason County and to make Mason County a destination for cultural tourism, I have been authorized as the videographer for this project. The project consist of creating cultural tours using moble devices (by reading QR Codes) throughout Mason County (Click: HERE).
Dumas Strong Campaign: A school and community wide campaign in which raised awareness and funds to support my friend and collegeaue, Scott Dumas, as he recovered from a tragic accident.
West Coast Veterans: An annual event hosted my MCC Middle School that honors our area veterans. Has been noted as one of the finest programs throughout the state (Govenors Award)
"Phil Quinlan would be a tremendous ambassasor and high quality representative for the rest of the
Michigan's teachers to look up to."
Jeff Mount, Mason County Central Schools Superintendent
Phil's enthusiasm in equipping those around him for success extends beyond the realm of his classroom. Those of us who have the pleasure of working with Phil benefit from his passion for continued growth and self-improvement."
Rosanna Sutton, Social Worker
"This teacher (Mr. Quinlan) has taken my 14 year old 8th grade girl and opened her eyes in a way I would never thought possible. . . He has very innovative ideas in teaching, using a hands-on approach. . . I know you have made a difference in at least one student's life. "
Pat Mackey, Parent, Shelby, MI
"Phil is as passionate a person as I have ever known. He is passionate about his family, his job and his country.
Barb Burwell, Former Teacher, Scottville, MI
". . . I always thought of you as one of the classiest coaches in the entire area. That includes all boy's coaches. I watched a lot of your games along with officiating them and I always thought that your players had a lot of fun playing for you and they responded to you positively."
Joe Stine, West Michigan Basektball Refree
"How can he put on such a great program (MCC's Annual Veterans Day Program) for us veterans every year!?
Think of all the work involved."
Leonard Tomaszewski, WW II Veteran, Normandy Invasion
". . . your hard work and dedication to teaching gives us confidence that our youth are in capable and professional hands.
Thank you for all you do!"
VFW of the United States (State & National Award)
Michigan's teachers to look up to."
Jeff Mount, Mason County Central Schools Superintendent
Phil's enthusiasm in equipping those around him for success extends beyond the realm of his classroom. Those of us who have the pleasure of working with Phil benefit from his passion for continued growth and self-improvement."
Rosanna Sutton, Social Worker
"This teacher (Mr. Quinlan) has taken my 14 year old 8th grade girl and opened her eyes in a way I would never thought possible. . . He has very innovative ideas in teaching, using a hands-on approach. . . I know you have made a difference in at least one student's life. "
Pat Mackey, Parent, Shelby, MI
"Phil is as passionate a person as I have ever known. He is passionate about his family, his job and his country.
Barb Burwell, Former Teacher, Scottville, MI
". . . I always thought of you as one of the classiest coaches in the entire area. That includes all boy's coaches. I watched a lot of your games along with officiating them and I always thought that your players had a lot of fun playing for you and they responded to you positively."
Joe Stine, West Michigan Basektball Refree
"How can he put on such a great program (MCC's Annual Veterans Day Program) for us veterans every year!?
Think of all the work involved."
Leonard Tomaszewski, WW II Veteran, Normandy Invasion
". . . your hard work and dedication to teaching gives us confidence that our youth are in capable and professional hands.
Thank you for all you do!"
VFW of the United States (State & National Award)
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
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2009 Governor's State Recognition Award:
VFW Michigan Teacher of the Year Award 2009 Michigan Middle School VFW Teacher-of-the-Year & National Finalist Award 2009 Michigan Teacher-of-the-Year Nominee/Finalist 2009 MACUL Teacher-of-the-Year Nominee 2009 Allied Veterans Council Teacher Award 2008 Governor's State Recognition Award: Shoe Box for Soldiers Campaign 2002 Disney Teacher-of-the-Year Nominee 1999 Scottville Optimist Teacher-of-the-year Award 1999 Ludington Daily News: Best Teacher Award 1992 Presidential Environmental Teacher Award |
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COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Western Michigan University 1992-1994
Masters of Arts in Education
Grand Valley State University 1986-1988
Bachelors of Science, Group Social Science Endorsement
West Shore Community College 1982-1984
Associates of Criminal Justice, Michigan Police Certification
West Shore Community College 1980-1982
Associates of Applied Arts & Science Degree
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TEACHING EMPLOYMENT
Mason County Central Middle School 2010-Present
7th Grade Social Studies Eastern World Cultures,
Religious Studies & Ancient Civilizations
Career Cruising Facilitator (7th Grade Careers)
Encore Course: The Story of Movies
Genius Hour
Digital Citizenship
Animation
Produce: Spartan News, live television broadcast program
Mason County Central Middle School 2006-2009
Applied Modular Technology Lab & Career Course
Produce: Spartan News, live television broadcast program
Film making: Director in the Classroom
Mason County Central Middle School 1996-2006
Western Cultures Course: 6th Grade Social Studies
Film making in the Classroom Course
Shelby Middle School 1994-1996
Innovative and integrative ELA/Social Studies Program: America’s Story
(Common Core BEFORE there was Common Core)
Shelby Public School: Thomas Reed Elementary 1988-1994
5th Grade: All Subjects
Mason County Central Middle School 2010-Present
7th Grade Social Studies Eastern World Cultures,
Religious Studies & Ancient Civilizations
Career Cruising Facilitator (7th Grade Careers)
Encore Course: The Story of Movies
Genius Hour
Digital Citizenship
Animation
Produce: Spartan News, live television broadcast program
Mason County Central Middle School 2006-2009
Applied Modular Technology Lab & Career Course
Produce: Spartan News, live television broadcast program
Film making: Director in the Classroom
Mason County Central Middle School 1996-2006
Western Cultures Course: 6th Grade Social Studies
Film making in the Classroom Course
Shelby Middle School 1994-1996
Innovative and integrative ELA/Social Studies Program: America’s Story
(Common Core BEFORE there was Common Core)
Shelby Public School: Thomas Reed Elementary 1988-1994
5th Grade: All Subjects
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LEADERSHIP/TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE
District TAT 2013-Present
Serving on districts Technology Assistance Team in setting forth the blueprint for technology needs, professional development training, hardware/software needs and etc. Heavily involved with the professional development training for staff in making the necessary transition into the 21st century learning classroom.
a. Digital Magic: Future in-service training for staff on the web tools/apps increase student achievement.
b. VIDEO showing the application of Digital Magic in the Classroom.
Project-Base Learning Summer Institute 2009
Throught a West Shore ESD grant, I and a team of three MCC Middle School staff members attended a weeklong summer institue PBL training at Edvisions Schools (Minnesota New Country Schools) located in Henderson, MN. As a result, the team transformed an amazing concept in which a Academy evolved within our school. Students would be exposed to an integrative leaning environment that leveraged the lastest INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY tools, concepts and best practices. The staff developed an integrative, Project-Based Learning experience, thematic and hands-on curriculum in a wide variety of areas that targeting meaningful experiences for all of our students at MCC Middle School. An Education for Our Time: An Academy of Leaders was born and ready to launch.
State Recognized Veterans Program 2005 - Present
I have led an award winning veterans program that recognizes American veterans & families throughout Western Michigan for serving our nation. This event has bridged schools and community as many sponsored and attended this powerful event. Visit our website today.
Professional Learning Community 2008 - Present
Created a PLC within our building that allowed educators to plan, inspire, organize programs and Ideas that established a meaningful learning environment for staff and students . . . forwardthinkers.ning.com / Facebook & Twitter sites established.
Strategic Planning Committee 2008 - 2010
Served on district wide & committee that shaped our districts mission & vision. Contributed to the SWOT analysis, Guiding Principles, Belief Statement and the development of an Action Plan that focused on keeping our district competitive in a global market.
Additional Professional Development
Cognitive Coaching, Adaptive Schools, Edx MOOC Courses (2) and Blended Learning Workshops
Marine Leadership Workshop(s) 2003 & 2005
On two different occasions (2003-2005) I was nominated and selected to spend a week long session (Marine Corp Educators Workshop) in San Diego, CA at Marine Corp Boot Camp (MCRD). I attended this dynamic workshop on leadership and the building of a Marine Recruit while observing the guiding principles and leadership model that has successfully protected this country for over 200 years.
Shoebox For Soldiers Campaign November - 2006
An awarding (Recognized by Michigan Governor) winning campaign in which Mason County Central 6th/7th grade students adopted Marine Corp 2nd Balt called Shoebox For Soldiers. Delta Company while stationed in Iraq. Over $1000 were raised to ship over 1000lbs of supplies and gifts for the troops during the Christmas season. Students also continued to send supplies and letters throughout the school year. One special story arose from this campaign and it is the story between Ms. Andrea Miller and fallen 2nd Lt. Mark Gelina (See Video) in which Andrea continued to foster a relationship with her fallen pen pal's family. She continued to raise money for the family and developed an amazing friendship. In doing so, the Andrea Miller Scholarship was created in her name to honor students who go above and beyond.
Red Cross Disaster Training/Certified September - 2005
In response to Hurricane Katrina (Sept. 2005), I became Red Cross Disaster Certified to mobilize to the Gulf Shores to offer assistance. Also, organized/Led area school in fundraising opportunities to assist the citizens along the gulf shores. Work along side HELP Ministries and the United Way. Presently, a member of Disaster team and Service to Armed Forces Programs.
Community Senior Citizen Support Team 1997-2000
I co-sponsored and established a Spartan PRIDE Community Service Program throughout Mason County Central Middle School and community. Students served the community throughout the school year through visitations to adult foster care homes, beautifying yards throughout the Scottville area, caring for the school grounds, shoveling driveways of snow and reading to area youth.
Led Professional Development for Teachers 1996 - Present
Student-Led Conferences, Collaborative Project, Digital Storytelling, Moodle, The Amazing ‘Shift’, 21st Century Classroom, Successful Instructional Strategies for Multiple Learning Styles, and Project-Based Learning are just a few PD opportunities that have allowed me to grow, learn and inspire others that I have led. I have designed and facilitated workshops throughout our area on meaningful and effective strategies that foster student learning.
District TAT 2013-Present
Serving on districts Technology Assistance Team in setting forth the blueprint for technology needs, professional development training, hardware/software needs and etc. Heavily involved with the professional development training for staff in making the necessary transition into the 21st century learning classroom.
a. Digital Magic: Future in-service training for staff on the web tools/apps increase student achievement.
b. VIDEO showing the application of Digital Magic in the Classroom.
Project-Base Learning Summer Institute 2009
Throught a West Shore ESD grant, I and a team of three MCC Middle School staff members attended a weeklong summer institue PBL training at Edvisions Schools (Minnesota New Country Schools) located in Henderson, MN. As a result, the team transformed an amazing concept in which a Academy evolved within our school. Students would be exposed to an integrative leaning environment that leveraged the lastest INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY tools, concepts and best practices. The staff developed an integrative, Project-Based Learning experience, thematic and hands-on curriculum in a wide variety of areas that targeting meaningful experiences for all of our students at MCC Middle School. An Education for Our Time: An Academy of Leaders was born and ready to launch.
State Recognized Veterans Program 2005 - Present
I have led an award winning veterans program that recognizes American veterans & families throughout Western Michigan for serving our nation. This event has bridged schools and community as many sponsored and attended this powerful event. Visit our website today.
Professional Learning Community 2008 - Present
Created a PLC within our building that allowed educators to plan, inspire, organize programs and Ideas that established a meaningful learning environment for staff and students . . . forwardthinkers.ning.com / Facebook & Twitter sites established.
Strategic Planning Committee 2008 - 2010
Served on district wide & committee that shaped our districts mission & vision. Contributed to the SWOT analysis, Guiding Principles, Belief Statement and the development of an Action Plan that focused on keeping our district competitive in a global market.
Additional Professional Development
Cognitive Coaching, Adaptive Schools, Edx MOOC Courses (2) and Blended Learning Workshops
Marine Leadership Workshop(s) 2003 & 2005
On two different occasions (2003-2005) I was nominated and selected to spend a week long session (Marine Corp Educators Workshop) in San Diego, CA at Marine Corp Boot Camp (MCRD). I attended this dynamic workshop on leadership and the building of a Marine Recruit while observing the guiding principles and leadership model that has successfully protected this country for over 200 years.
Shoebox For Soldiers Campaign November - 2006
An awarding (Recognized by Michigan Governor) winning campaign in which Mason County Central 6th/7th grade students adopted Marine Corp 2nd Balt called Shoebox For Soldiers. Delta Company while stationed in Iraq. Over $1000 were raised to ship over 1000lbs of supplies and gifts for the troops during the Christmas season. Students also continued to send supplies and letters throughout the school year. One special story arose from this campaign and it is the story between Ms. Andrea Miller and fallen 2nd Lt. Mark Gelina (See Video) in which Andrea continued to foster a relationship with her fallen pen pal's family. She continued to raise money for the family and developed an amazing friendship. In doing so, the Andrea Miller Scholarship was created in her name to honor students who go above and beyond.
Red Cross Disaster Training/Certified September - 2005
In response to Hurricane Katrina (Sept. 2005), I became Red Cross Disaster Certified to mobilize to the Gulf Shores to offer assistance. Also, organized/Led area school in fundraising opportunities to assist the citizens along the gulf shores. Work along side HELP Ministries and the United Way. Presently, a member of Disaster team and Service to Armed Forces Programs.
Community Senior Citizen Support Team 1997-2000
I co-sponsored and established a Spartan PRIDE Community Service Program throughout Mason County Central Middle School and community. Students served the community throughout the school year through visitations to adult foster care homes, beautifying yards throughout the Scottville area, caring for the school grounds, shoveling driveways of snow and reading to area youth.
Led Professional Development for Teachers 1996 - Present
Student-Led Conferences, Collaborative Project, Digital Storytelling, Moodle, The Amazing ‘Shift’, 21st Century Classroom, Successful Instructional Strategies for Multiple Learning Styles, and Project-Based Learning are just a few PD opportunities that have allowed me to grow, learn and inspire others that I have led. I have designed and facilitated workshops throughout our area on meaningful and effective strategies that foster student learning.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES
Girls Varsity Basketball Coach / Believe It! Achieve It! Basketball Camp Director
Partnered with the WNBA (All-Star Wendy Palmer & Ruth Riley attended MCC Schools)
Boys Junior Basketball & Varsity Assistant Coach (1995-1999) / State Finals Team 1998
Girls Varsity Soccer Assistant Coach / 2005 & 2006
Facilitated Bond Issue Campaign (Kickoff Parade/Party, Celebration Events & ect) 1998 & 2003
Mason County Sports Hall of Fame Director & Videographer
Entrepreneurship: M.V.P. Memories Production (Videographer Business) & Network Marketing
Student Council / Yearbook Adviser
School Improvement Member: Entire Teaching Career (25 years)
Curriculum Development: Michigan Frameworks Social Studies (local and state level)
Selected by U. S. Marine Corp to attend Educator Workshop (San Diego, CA) 2003 & 2006
Creator of numerous documentaries of local veterans (CLICK HERE)
Girls Varsity Basketball Coach / Believe It! Achieve It! Basketball Camp Director
Partnered with the WNBA (All-Star Wendy Palmer & Ruth Riley attended MCC Schools)
Boys Junior Basketball & Varsity Assistant Coach (1995-1999) / State Finals Team 1998
Girls Varsity Soccer Assistant Coach / 2005 & 2006
Facilitated Bond Issue Campaign (Kickoff Parade/Party, Celebration Events & ect) 1998 & 2003
Mason County Sports Hall of Fame Director & Videographer
Entrepreneurship: M.V.P. Memories Production (Videographer Business) & Network Marketing
Student Council / Yearbook Adviser
School Improvement Member: Entire Teaching Career (25 years)
Curriculum Development: Michigan Frameworks Social Studies (local and state level)
Selected by U. S. Marine Corp to attend Educator Workshop (San Diego, CA) 2003 & 2006
Creator of numerous documentaries of local veterans (CLICK HERE)
My rai·son d'ê·tre
From: Carrie Preston <cjpresto@bu.edu>
Date: June 6, 2012 10:37:29 PM EDT
To: Phil Quinlan <carpdiem@me.com>
Subject: Re: Thomas Read Elementary?
Dear Mr. Quinlan,
It is amazing how my remarkable 5th grade teacher returns to me from time to time. When I'm standing in front of one of my own classes and I find myself saying, "My first mistake ever...," for example. Or, when I feel that my confidence is failing me, perhaps during a writer's block, and I remember him taking me aside and telling me that I held the world in the palm of my hand (I think that was after I gave him a poem about war or something like that). Or, when feeling that I've failed in a friendship, perhaps because I was not aware of some troubling jealousy, I might hear him reminding me that I didn't have to get B's to have friends, that real friends would celebrate all their achievements together.
Mr. Quinlan, you probably don't even remember those small anecdotes and moments that I have held close to me all these years. Or taking our class out to do field work in the woods, or what an impression you made when you taught us about the Civil War while dressed in a period uniform, or the opportunity you gave me to turn the class into the crew of Leif Erickson's ship as he journeyed to North America...
It is probably impossible for you to imagine the ways you shaped the lives of countless students because, sadly, we fail to tell our teachers what they mean to us. But you inspired me in so many ways. You made me want to be a writer and a teacher.
I'm so glad you found me. Your message brought tears to my eyes. As you may have gathered, I'm a professor in Boston University's English Department. I went through my tenure review this past year, a very stressful time, and I just found out that I made it and I'll get to keep working with my wonderful students. I study and teach early twentieth century literature, performance, and dance. I still write poetry, along with the usual academic books and articles.
I'm married to an amazing man, also from Michigan, who is a marine F-18 pilot. He moved from active duty to the reserves last month, and he'll be going back to graduate school at MIT in the fall. This is great in many ways, including that he'll be moving to Boston from Mississippi (where he has been stationed). I still have definite pacifist tendencies, so being a military wife has been a challenge and we've had a complicated marriage (like all of them) troubled with deployments and long periods of time apart.
My Mom, who was the counselor at Thomas Read when we were there, remembers well what an incredible teacher you were. She said that she thought you had moved to the middle school at another district, maybe still in West Michigan? I hope you are tremendously happy. I would love to hear more about your adventures, if you cared to share.
Thank you so much for writing.
Warmest wishes,
Carrie
----------------------------------
Carrie J. Preston
Assistant Professor
Boston University
Department of English
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program
From: Carrie Preston <cjpresto@bu.edu>
Date: October 29, 2012 5:45:05 PM EDT
To: Phil Quinlan <carpdiem@me.com>
Subject: October greetings
Dear Mr. Quinlan,
It is quite unforgivable that I haven't written to you these past months! Your letters and voicemail touched me so deeply, and I've saved them both in a special folder (the messages from my office phone get forwarded to me by email). I had a lot of writing deadlines this summer, and then the semester hit like the proverbial ton of bricks. (I'm sure you can relate to that!) I've been doing quite a bit of travel for lectures, including the one at the University of Georgia where I danced as part of the talk. You kindly commented on some photos my friend posted. I just got back from a very busy conference in Las Vegas, which was a strange location for an academic conference. The rest of the semester is a little more gentle, and I've been so excited to take some time to write to you.
Another reason that today is the perfect day to write is that all of Boston is hunkered down under this nasty hurricane Sandy. School was cancelled today, and I feel like a child with an unexpected snow day on her hands! I should get out the hot chocolate, which my dear Mom always made on snow days. With marshmallows, of course. I don't imagine I ever even wanted a snow day in the 5th grade, as I wouldn't have wanted to miss your class! But I might have liked them in other years.
I can't believe how you remember that most crucial of years for me! And I can't believe I could have taught you one iota. You were such an incredible teacher, a gifted teacher, a natural, I believe - even in your first year. You never seemed scared, although now that I've found my own way to the front of quite a few classrooms, I'm certain you were. I can't imagine how many students' lives you've touched over the years. We were all so lucky that you decided to become an educator.
As you probably remember, my Mom took a job in Okemos Michigan and we moved away from Shelby the year after I was lucky enough to land in your class. We had a few hard years as a family adjusting to a very different school system and community. Your messages were always with me, strengthening me, empowering me. They have been with me through every tough time in my life. And I have no doubt that your encouragement (the world in the palm of your hands) led directly to me wanting to become a teacher.
It was delightful to read about your family and your daughters' accomplishments. My family is all well too. My Mom retired from counseling in the Okemos School District nine years ago. She studied to be a Certified Financial Planner and opened a business. She still continues to do a little of that work, but after the Madoff scandal, the regulations became too unwieldy for her small business. She mostly does that as a hobby now. She still lives in Williamston, a little town outside of Lansing. She spends a lot of time helping care for my grandparents on the farm too.
Derek has settled into his MBA program at MIT and is doing well. It is absolutely wonderful to be together at last. He still has to travel down to Mississippi for his reserve duty, but those are easy separations now. And we have some wonderful news that I'm delighted to share with you: We are expecting a baby in May! It is a tremendous blessing and joy to feel this new life growing. My Mom is over the moon! Neither of our parents have grandchildren, so there is a good deal of excitement in both of our families.
I hope all is well for you. No matter how much the teaching profession wears you down (and I know it does), please don't ever forget how much good you've done, how many lives you've changed. And you have a huge fan in Boston! Let's stay in touch!
Much love,
Carrie
Date: June 6, 2012 10:37:29 PM EDT
To: Phil Quinlan <carpdiem@me.com>
Subject: Re: Thomas Read Elementary?
Dear Mr. Quinlan,
It is amazing how my remarkable 5th grade teacher returns to me from time to time. When I'm standing in front of one of my own classes and I find myself saying, "My first mistake ever...," for example. Or, when I feel that my confidence is failing me, perhaps during a writer's block, and I remember him taking me aside and telling me that I held the world in the palm of my hand (I think that was after I gave him a poem about war or something like that). Or, when feeling that I've failed in a friendship, perhaps because I was not aware of some troubling jealousy, I might hear him reminding me that I didn't have to get B's to have friends, that real friends would celebrate all their achievements together.
Mr. Quinlan, you probably don't even remember those small anecdotes and moments that I have held close to me all these years. Or taking our class out to do field work in the woods, or what an impression you made when you taught us about the Civil War while dressed in a period uniform, or the opportunity you gave me to turn the class into the crew of Leif Erickson's ship as he journeyed to North America...
It is probably impossible for you to imagine the ways you shaped the lives of countless students because, sadly, we fail to tell our teachers what they mean to us. But you inspired me in so many ways. You made me want to be a writer and a teacher.
I'm so glad you found me. Your message brought tears to my eyes. As you may have gathered, I'm a professor in Boston University's English Department. I went through my tenure review this past year, a very stressful time, and I just found out that I made it and I'll get to keep working with my wonderful students. I study and teach early twentieth century literature, performance, and dance. I still write poetry, along with the usual academic books and articles.
I'm married to an amazing man, also from Michigan, who is a marine F-18 pilot. He moved from active duty to the reserves last month, and he'll be going back to graduate school at MIT in the fall. This is great in many ways, including that he'll be moving to Boston from Mississippi (where he has been stationed). I still have definite pacifist tendencies, so being a military wife has been a challenge and we've had a complicated marriage (like all of them) troubled with deployments and long periods of time apart.
My Mom, who was the counselor at Thomas Read when we were there, remembers well what an incredible teacher you were. She said that she thought you had moved to the middle school at another district, maybe still in West Michigan? I hope you are tremendously happy. I would love to hear more about your adventures, if you cared to share.
Thank you so much for writing.
Warmest wishes,
Carrie
----------------------------------
Carrie J. Preston
Assistant Professor
Boston University
Department of English
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program
From: Carrie Preston <cjpresto@bu.edu>
Date: October 29, 2012 5:45:05 PM EDT
To: Phil Quinlan <carpdiem@me.com>
Subject: October greetings
Dear Mr. Quinlan,
It is quite unforgivable that I haven't written to you these past months! Your letters and voicemail touched me so deeply, and I've saved them both in a special folder (the messages from my office phone get forwarded to me by email). I had a lot of writing deadlines this summer, and then the semester hit like the proverbial ton of bricks. (I'm sure you can relate to that!) I've been doing quite a bit of travel for lectures, including the one at the University of Georgia where I danced as part of the talk. You kindly commented on some photos my friend posted. I just got back from a very busy conference in Las Vegas, which was a strange location for an academic conference. The rest of the semester is a little more gentle, and I've been so excited to take some time to write to you.
Another reason that today is the perfect day to write is that all of Boston is hunkered down under this nasty hurricane Sandy. School was cancelled today, and I feel like a child with an unexpected snow day on her hands! I should get out the hot chocolate, which my dear Mom always made on snow days. With marshmallows, of course. I don't imagine I ever even wanted a snow day in the 5th grade, as I wouldn't have wanted to miss your class! But I might have liked them in other years.
I can't believe how you remember that most crucial of years for me! And I can't believe I could have taught you one iota. You were such an incredible teacher, a gifted teacher, a natural, I believe - even in your first year. You never seemed scared, although now that I've found my own way to the front of quite a few classrooms, I'm certain you were. I can't imagine how many students' lives you've touched over the years. We were all so lucky that you decided to become an educator.
As you probably remember, my Mom took a job in Okemos Michigan and we moved away from Shelby the year after I was lucky enough to land in your class. We had a few hard years as a family adjusting to a very different school system and community. Your messages were always with me, strengthening me, empowering me. They have been with me through every tough time in my life. And I have no doubt that your encouragement (the world in the palm of your hands) led directly to me wanting to become a teacher.
It was delightful to read about your family and your daughters' accomplishments. My family is all well too. My Mom retired from counseling in the Okemos School District nine years ago. She studied to be a Certified Financial Planner and opened a business. She still continues to do a little of that work, but after the Madoff scandal, the regulations became too unwieldy for her small business. She mostly does that as a hobby now. She still lives in Williamston, a little town outside of Lansing. She spends a lot of time helping care for my grandparents on the farm too.
Derek has settled into his MBA program at MIT and is doing well. It is absolutely wonderful to be together at last. He still has to travel down to Mississippi for his reserve duty, but those are easy separations now. And we have some wonderful news that I'm delighted to share with you: We are expecting a baby in May! It is a tremendous blessing and joy to feel this new life growing. My Mom is over the moon! Neither of our parents have grandchildren, so there is a good deal of excitement in both of our families.
I hope all is well for you. No matter how much the teaching profession wears you down (and I know it does), please don't ever forget how much good you've done, how many lives you've changed. And you have a huge fan in Boston! Let's stay in touch!
Much love,
Carrie
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