Talk about a legacy! 

The retirement of Tim Dwyer will impact the entire town, as he not only deeply enriched the lives of his students, but also the lives of his colleagues and the Dedham community as a whole.

Dwyer attended Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester before attending the College of the Holy Cross and Columbia University. Before teaching, he practiced law; however, he decided he wanted to “make more of a contribution” and have a meaningful impact on the world, so he chose to pursue education. After briefly teaching at the alternative high school in Worcester as a long term substitute, he decided to take a leap and apply to DPS.

Reflecting on his application process, he states that, although most of his hiring committee was against bringing him on board, Mrs. Meloski, a DHS social studies teacher at the time, advocated for him. In the end, Meloski got her way and Dwyer became an official member of the DHS staff. 

Dwyer and Dedham proved to be an excellent match, as he remained employed by the Dedham Public School System for an impressive 23 years. Over the course of his tenure, Dwyer taught Legal Studies, US History I and II at the high school, and, at one point, American Studies at the old middle school. He was the type of teacher who would truly immerse himself in the content, which is why whichever subject he was teaching at the time quickly became his favorite. He considered the most difficult aspect of teaching making subjects “interesting, relevant and substantive for the students,” but was able to circumvent this with his own enthusiasm.

A passionate educator, Dwyer was also dedicated and willing to step up and get involved. During his time at DHS, Dwyer took on a variety of roles, such as Faculty Advisor of the Mock Trial Program and class advisor. He was also a long term president of the Dedham Education Association. It was during his incumbency that the teachers of DPS staged the historic strike of 2019. Although proud of his leadership and ultimate victory, he would also like people to remember that when the strike was over, "[he] could shake hands with and continue to work with the superintendent.”

While reflecting on his favorite moments of DHS, Dwyer remembers the last "walk and clap out" for the seniors as particularly special. However, his fondest memories are of his co-workers and students: “I will miss my colleagues who I adore and respect, and the kids, and the interactions every day. Plus the kids consistently laughed at my bad jokes.” 

As parting words, Dwyer gives a piece of advice for all considering a career in education: “I would really encourage people to do so. There are few other careers where you can make as important contributions. And it's a ton of fun!” 

Tributes:

Mr. Dwyer is one of a kind. He is an extraordinary educator, mentor, and friend. He will be deeply missed at DHS.  Cheers to many happy years of retirement! 

-Ms. Lydon

Mr. Dwyer was the best kind of colleague--knowledgeable, generous and dedicated. He always had time for a student or staff member, and you never left his room without feeling a little better about whatever question or problem brought you to him. He has been a strong role model to me both as a teacher and a union leader, and I miss working with him every day.

-Dr. Dudley

Mr. Dwyer was without doubt a true leader in the Dedham Public Schools. He was always willing to help anyone, big or small. I will miss his invaluable wisdom and passion. Dedham High was lucky to have the best of the best teaching in our classrooms! Wishing Mr. Dwyer the happiest retirement possible!

-Ms. Tucci

I can say that Mr. Dwyer was assigned as my mentor when I first began working here at DHS. I could never thank him enough for all of the time, help, and support he bestowed upon me. I have no doubt he was instrumental in helping to shape the teacher that I have become. Mr. Dwyer was an amazing colleague and is a phenomenal person. I, and all of DHS have missed, and will continue to miss his presence in our school. I wish him, and his family, all of the best in his retirement years.

-Dr. Medeiros

A man with an incredibly dry sense of humor who made me laugh many times; an amazing teacher who his students loved; a dedicated union president who willingly gave up his time at night and on the weekends; a coworker who would step up to help cover a class, share a video, or give an idea for a lesson. But most important of all, a good friend who was there to share in all of life’s moments, both good and bad, who could always be counted on to listen and lend a helping hand.

-Ms. Spiro

Mr. Dwyer is a great teacher and even better colleague and friend. He is always willing to help out both students and colleagues and is always willing to share his wisdom.  He was a mentor to me and many others in the history department and helped us out during our "rookie years."  Congrats on a well deserved retirement.

-Mr. Lydon