Mr. Gleason

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I was born in Newport, moved to Charlestown at 4, and graduated from Chariho High School. I received an undergraduate degree at Fairfield University and Masters at Rhode Island College.

Have you worked at another school before?

I have spent my entire 28-year career in Westerly.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have coached basketball since a young age and enjoyed working with kids. I also loved history and majored in it in college.

What is your favorite part about teaching at WHS?

I love the community feel and the traditions at WHS. Coming from the Chariho District, where it is 3 separate towns, Westerly is different in the pride that people, young and old, have for the town. In addition, the Dawg Pound is the top student body support for any high school in the state.

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

Although I am retired from high school basketball coaching, I still coach AAU and Middle School girls basketball. I also enjoy traveling with my family, reading, and watching historical documentaries.

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

I have been teaching almost 30 years but I still enjoy trying to plan creative ways for students to learn. I also love watching the sun rise over the campus on a clear fall or spring morning.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Having former students who have moved on to accomplish great things write or email words of thanks or appreciation years after they have graduated from WHS and fill me in on what is new in their lives.

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

I helped create the Dawg Pound my first year coaching at WHS in 2006 and as a high school senior I hit the game winning shot against Westerly at Federico Gym.

What is on the top of your bucket list?

To travel as much as I can when I retire.

What are you most excited for this school year?

I am teaching World Affairs for the first time in several years. This is among my favorite classes to teach as I feel it is important that high school students have more knowledge of current events than what they see on their phones.