This week we highlight the people who make Prairie so special –– our teachers.

Kevin Will

US Science
Varsity Boys’ Golf Coach

Many Prairie families and faculty members haven’t known a time when Kevin Will wasn’t a fixture on campus. 2018 marks Mr. Will’s 34th year as a member of the Prairie community — and during his tenure, he’s been involved in many aspects of school life. Organizing the US trip to Camp Manito-Wish, coaching golf, basketball, and tennis, advising Student Government…in his own words, “I’m sure I’ll forget something!” We continue our Thank A Teacher series by highlighting one of Prairie’s most seasoned veterans.

How has TPS changed over your time teaching here?
“Size. When I came here 34 years ago, the graduating class was 30 kids. Now, we’ve more than doubled in size, and that changes the culture. It was very family-centric back then, and it still is now. You do lose some intimacy when things grow bigger, but by the same token a bigger group is more diverse, which is healthy.”

What is your favorite TPS memory? 
“There are just too many! I’ve made a lot of great friends here. I’ve been very comfortable here. It’s been a good fit for me.”

What advice do you give new TPS faculty and staff when they start?
“I encourage them to make connections with the kids. I’ve always been a firm believer that if the kids believe you are there for them, they’ll do what they need to do — not just in biology class, but in life. I’ve never considered myself to be the world’s greatest teacher, but I get kids to buy in and hence, they grow. And that’s what we’re here for, to help them grow.”

Fun fact: Something students might not know about Mr. Will (according to his good friend, Mrs. Bonnie Benes)…
“He has an amazing singing voice!”

 

Each day during National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7th-11th) we will be telling the stories of our teachers, coaches, advisors, and faculty members. You can help Prairie’s teachers continue to progress by making a gift in support of Faculty Development at The Prairie School.

Did You Know: Prairie’s COMPASS Program is composed of learning specialists and academic support teachers dedicated to working with students and families to identify learning strengths and challenges, encourage self-advocacy, and ensure overall success.