My name is Ted Hawkins.

As the 2022-2023 school year begins, I am beginning my 30th year at CWHS. And it promises to be unique!

Way back in 1980—the year the U.S. Olympic hockey team beat the USSR on their way to the gold medal at Lake Placid--I graduated from Immanuel High in Reedley. I entered Fresno State University and earned my BA in English in 1984. I spent some time working on a master's degree before heading into a restaurant management career for a short time. After a couple of years, I left certain riches in the food service industry for the promise of glory and honor in the United States Army. After spending nearly six years on active duty in the Army, with tours in Korea, Panama, and as part of Desert Storm, I returned to Fresno where Sandra Dunlap (CW '87) took my heart captive. I've now been married over 26 years, and my squad has grown to two children—Samuel (CW '15) a graphic designer in Boise, ID, and Bethany (CW '17) an interior designer in Dallas, TX —, and our dogs, Buddy (a yellow Labrador) and Gambit, a German Shepherd/Husky mix.

In 2008 I earned my master's degree in Military History from Norwich University. Then I went on to complete the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College. In December 2015 I finally retired as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve after 29 years of active and Reserve service.

When I'm not teaching or grading essays, I spend every moment possible in the great outdoors with my family. Sandi loves to camp at the coast; I love to camp in the mountains. I build and re-build furniture in my home woodshop. I also read incessantly. I am particularly interested in classic literature, military history, and historical fiction.

I am deeply committed to my relationship with Jesus Christ. My family and I are active in our church.

My philosophy of education is fairly simple. I believe there is no place for mediocrity and no substitute for excellence in the classroom. Students learn by doing. Success in the United States still depends heavily upon hard work, dedication and on clear and effective communication—the abilities to read, write, speak and listen well. I believe that the classroom is a microcosm of the greater society. School is a place where moral values and ethical behavior must be supported and reinforced. A disciplined lifestyle is important to success. And I will always defend justice and liberty for all, and apply mercy and humility as needed.