Credit retrieval, ELL (English Language Learner), Driver Education, Online classes, and CVA (Columbia Virtual Academy)---Dan Raymond does it all...
Mr. Raymond, who came to South Bend in 1997, has 25 years of teaching experience in a wide variety of assignments and subjects, and has proven to be an invaluable faculty member responsible for numerous South Bend programs.
In working with Dan, it is easy to see how his knowledge and desire to teach kids makes a big impact. "I really just appreciate the opportunity to work with students," he says. "It is a privilege to educate kids and I love the fact that my job is never the same... I like the variety," Mr. Raymond continues. "The kids keep me young."
One of Mr. Raymond's primary roles at South Bend is ELL instruction, and providing students
with independent opportunities to learn through online classes. "When students need to retrieve a credit, or if a schedule conflict occurs for a student's required class, students can usually take the class online through our Apex program," Dan explains. "I have students throughout the day working on these classes."
In addition to his full day schedule, Mr. Raymond also runs South Bend's driver education program year-around.
Mr. Raymond's vast experience and ability to teach multiple subjects allowed him to start up and serve as one of the core teachers in the South Bend Columbia Virtual Academy program. Started during the 14-15 school year, CVA-SB currently serves almost 60 students throughout Washington. Dan teaches the majority of these students, and does a tremendous job handling multiple subjects. "I like the flexibility it gives students and I enjoy helping the kids who have all sorts of needs," says Mr. Raymond. South Bend is now the only CVA program in the state teaching students K-12, as other schools do not have the personnel or ability to manage the high school logistics.
Walking into Dan's classroom at South Bend HS gives a perspective on how he likes to relate with students. The room is decorated with flags from around the world as well as music memorabilia, and he has a story to go with many of the items. "I like exposing the kids to different and interesting ideas based on things I've done and places I've been," he comments. "I try to bring things back to the school that I can share with students." Dan is a learner himself, always endeavoring to learn new things and stay current. His ambition to keep learning and improving his practice is a model for all of us.
Dan has traveled all over the world, attending various sporting events and music concerts. It is not rare for Dan to fly (or drive) to all parts of the country on a weekend or school break to attend a professional baseball game or listen to a band. Having personal connections to Buzz Osborne and the Melvins, as well as the legendary band Nirvana, Dan talks about many of his experiences with these groups and shares his love of sports and music with his students--certainly a manner of building relationships.
Education is not a one-size-fits-all process. Dan Raymond serves a vital role at South Bend, providing opportunities to students when traditional means of school might not work out. As superintendent, I appreciate all of Dan's hard work and his unending willingness to go the extra mile for students.
Whether his students are in his classroom, in the driver ed car, or across the state in CVA, Dan is making a difference.
