Mr. Clifford

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I’m from Florida, but I grew up in Westerly. I went to The Prout School for High School, and graduated from the University of Rhode Island.

Have you worked at another school before?

Before coming to Westerly, I worked in Pawtucket as a physics teacher for two years.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

My mom was a teacher, and she used to bring me along to her school events. She was very involved in her school, and it allowed me to see the relationship that she had with her students. I realized that her job looked really fun, and that I wanted to build similar relationships as she had, and become a teacher.

What is your favorite part of teaching at WHS?
My favorite part of teaching at WHS is seeing the love that all of the students have for their school.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of teaching?

Outside of school, I enjoy rock climbing and running in obstacle course races. I also just started to pick up woodworking.

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

I am motivated to wake up in the morning, and come to work, to provide for my fiance.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I just ran a 32 mile obstacle course race, and it was the hardest thing that I have ever done. I started at 6:20 in the morning, and finished at 8:45 in the night!

What is something that most students at WHS do not know about you?

Most students wouldn’t know that I am 25% Puerto Rican.

What is on the top of your bucket list?

I would love to go skydiving.

What are your upcoming plans for the summer?

I am going to build a fence in my yard!