IN THE CLASSROOM
FACULTY MINUTE
Bill Dunham Dedicated to Student Success
We’re not exaggerating when we say Bill Dunham is a man who wears many hats. A member of the faculty since 1993, Bill is currently the Assistant Director of Studies, Chair of the English Department
CONNIE RAFFERTY
and Head Varsity Coach for wrestling and golf. He oversees the letters, recommendations and
DIGITAL STORYTELLER
officer for the New England Independent School Wrestling Association, and serves as an official “grader”
Walk by Connie Rafferty’s desk most days and you’ll see her focused intently on her computer screen as she scrolls through hours of digital footage. Since 2007, Rafferty has created her signature videos showcasing various aspects of this community. It could be scenes from the spring rock concert, the Ropes Course, a community service day, or aerial footage of the campus from a student’s drone. “I’m a digital storyteller, and we have soooo many stories to tell on this campus!” she says with her trademark dramatic flair. Yet she’s a teacher at heart and facilitates opportunities for boys to develop digital media skills. Rafferty shepherds the Lion’s Den, a student-generated video series, and she orchestrates the live webcasts for football, hockey, and lacrosse, helping train the students who film and provide running commentary on each game. “I love the live broadcasts,” she exclaims. “Who would have thought I’d become such a sports fan??” She says that working with the boys is pure gold. “They’re not just promoting our athletic program – they’re providing an incredible service that connects alumni and families to the School.” Rafferty also advises several students with their independent study projects. Guided by Rafferty and Bryn Gillette who teaches a Digital Media course, seniors Drew Wyman and Cole Stewart served as digital media interns this spring. “They’re getting hands-on, practical experience shooting and editing professional quality video content,” Rafferty explained. Earlier this winter, Rafferty worked with two middle school classes on digital-based assignments. “I helped the seventh graders with green screen technology so they could stage a To Kill a Mockingbird ‘live’ broadcast from the courthouse steps. The boys scripted the whole show and interviewed each other as characters from the novel. We dropped in images from that time period so it looked realistic.” She then helped the eighth graders develop tourism videos that promoted the allure of Costa Rica, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Panama. Rafferty aspires to spearhead the creation of a Digital Lab in Gardiner Library’s Innovator Space, and teach a broadcast journalism class. “Communications people used to depend on pen and paper; now we rely on our GoPro, DSLR, video camera, and smartphone. Social media has created so many different platforms for storytelling.” And thanks to Rafferty’s passion for digital media, the global Trinity-Pawling community directly benefits from her artistic creations.
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evaluations for all Seniors in the college application process, co-chairs the Disciplinary Committee, is an for AP English Literature Exams and SAT Essays. Over the years, he has served as dorm parent, head coach for baseball and soccer, in addition to being a husband to Melanie and father to Courtney. Known to be available to his students 24/7, Bill epitomizes a teacher dedicated to student success. Describe a typical day for you. I’m in my office at 7:15 to meet with middle school students or faculty members who drop in with a question. Then it’s into a day of classes. After school in the fall I help adjust academic schedules, in the winter I coach wrestling, and in spring I coach golf. After sit-down dinner I return to the office to work with students, both face to face and via email. I head home around 9:30, correct some papers, and call it a night. In free moments I take my dogs out and spend a few moments with my wife and daughter.
In your opinion, what makes an ideal boarding school teacher? A boarding school teacher puts the students first. A teacher must enjoy working with students in all areas to be successful. Being flexible with assignments and expectations is also valuable. Ideally, the teacher helps
each student do something better today than they did the day before. A successful teacher should also believe that they can learn from the students, just as the students learn from them. I’ve often said that when I stop learning, it’s time for me to go. The key is becoming an active participant in the community and in the learning process.
What’s the secret to success at Trinity-Pawling? A teacher must love working with the boys and commit to the broad spectrum of responsibilities the job entails. A student should find an adult on campus they trust and who will be there to listen and offer advice. Having that connection helps a student gain confidence and thrive. When faculty and students take advantage of the opportunities available, they relish their time here. If you allow yourself to become part of the community, the experience is truly exceptional.
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