A Teacher's Life: Mr. Reese

Geydi Palacio - January 9th, 2024

How is it that Mr Reese became a teacher? Mr Reese a kind teacher who is known as the basketball coach as well as a history and psychology teacher.

Teachers balance our academic life, but have to balance their own life as well. They have to dedicate their time and patience but along the line there has to be more. Their stories are all different the way they started their careers and why they picked it. 

He has said,” JUST DO IT.” 

Mr Reese, one of the first teachers here at our high school Pioneer. This year, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet him and take a class he teaches. I always heard how amazing of a person Mr. Reese was. He has been described as a funny teacher, kind, honest, and understanding, and the truth is he is an amazing person.

I had the privilege to talk to Mr Reese in order to find out more about him. Mr. Reese, a very likable person, was originally born in New Mexico. He in fact graduated from high school back in the year of 1982. He described how throughout high school he always seemed  to find an interest in history, he would later find out he really did enjoy the subject, "I'm not sure If I picked my career or my career picked me.”

It came down to the time in high school where he wanted to apply for colleges and universitie,s but he did know what he wanted to study almost instantly. He in fact did end up studying history so he could later on teach the subject. He attended New Mexico University. 

Mr. Reese had the chance to work in California. Sure enough he did pick to take the opportunity in California. When asked why he came all the way to Woodland, he stated, “Once you go off to college you're going to decide that you want to go somewhere else.”  He did take his opportunity and decided to find something new. In Fact it was a huge opportunity for Mr Reese. 

“ I taught at Douglas from 1988 to 2002 so I am definitely old.”

Over time he in fact decided he would also be a coach, he did in fact become the coach for basketball and track. He enjoyed teaching but later on ended up finding his wife, whom he has been happily married to for 28 years, with 2 kids as well. When asked about his retirement he had stated how he wanted to enjoy his time with his family as well as how,” I will 100% be enjoying every second not having to wake up early anymore.”