Titan Times
Week of November 18
This is my first year in Crested Butte. I have been here since July 12. I found CB when I was 14 in a film that featured it. Thinking it was too amazing to be real, I wanted to go there to find out for myself.
In 1995 I visited CB for the first time after a tour of Western Colorado University. It was indeed all that I had seen and more. Sadly, I couldn’t afford the out-of-state tuition and went back home to the west coast to finish college after this short visit.
I’ve worked with many student demographics: where I’m from in Southern Oregon, Vail, and in the Roaring Fork Valley. Every time I landed in Colorado I was trying to get to Crested Butte and I’m so grateful to be here finally. Thanks for having me and I’m honored to be in a school and district with people who want to achieve something great for kids.
How long have you been in education, what roles have you held?
This is my 25th year in education. I have had many roles: a high school and middle school Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, a middle school assistant principal, middle school principal, an elementary assistant principal, secondary instructional coach, and an alternative school principal. In all of these I have been able to add value and see how the power of relationships can make a difference for students.
What is one of your hidden talents?
I can diagnose and repair small engines. This comes in handy during the spring summer and fall because I’m an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I was a ski instructor at Snowmass and a Buddy Werner coach at Beaver Creek. In addition, I own four motorcycles.
What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
Visiting classrooms and getting to know students outside of my office makes a great day at school. I’ve enjoyed talking with students about their learning and connecting with them about their goals for the future, sports, and what they like to do outside of school.
How do you show your school spirit?
I wear my CBSS polo on game days, participate in dress days, and attend games. Recently, I have enjoyed cheering on our soccer teams, volleyball, and middle school boys basketball.
What accomplishment fills you with pride so far this year?
I have been able to learn many students' names since the beginning of the school year. My goal is to learn every student’s name by June.
What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed for school?
I like to eat a healthy breakfast and either walk or ride my bike to school. It is good to feel the cold air on my face and see the mountains before I get to school.
Are there any embarrassing teaching moments you’re willing to share? What are they?
I always hated making sub plans as a young teacher so I would rarely take a sick day. One February I had the flu, but I kept coming to school. After a few minutes into my first period, 9th grade class, one morning, I completely lost my voice and could barely talk in a whisper. I had to have students give directions to my classes until a substitute could replace me at lunch.
Since I taught all 9th grade that year, some students were better at giving my directions to the class than others. One told them that I wanted them to talk and have free time so I had to use pointing, gestures, and facial expressions to let the class know this is not what I was actually asking them to do.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Resilience and strength of character define true greatness. Persevere and continue on the path of your goals even if you fail the first time. Setbacks and failure are a natural part of life, but it is our response to them that truly shapes our character and potential for greatness.
“A man is great not because he hasn’t failed; a man is great because failure hasn’t stopped him.” ~Confucius
John Trinca
Additional Questions
Please contact Madeline Shugert, Secondary Office Manager, at madeline.shugert@gunnisonschools.net, or call the front office at (970) 641-7720.