 My name is John Gallup. Originally from Los Angeles, I am a 34 year resident of Girdwood, and teaching is my third career. For the last 17 years I have taught Science at Clark Middle School, mostly to eighth graders. My former careers were in construction and the ski area business, in each case as a heavy equipment operator. While employed at the ski area, I worked summers as a Fisheries Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
I have a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College in Los Angeles, and a Masters in Environmental Science from the same college. I obtained my Education degree from UAA in 1991, and began teaching that year at Clark.
I am not a natural teacher, but I am a natural scientist. I have extensive experience in the field as a fisheries and shellfish biologist, and in more recent years have become a mostly-self-taught geologist and astronomer.
I have done a variety of unique things at Clark, but if there is one overarching theme, it is “do whatever it takes for that kid” – the one in front of you who needs you. I arrive early and stay late, and pack the time in between with Science and teamwork.
I enjoy collaborating with other teachers to create the unique education experiences that are thematic units, and work well on an academic team to remediate students who are struggling. I believe strongly in the Middle School model for this age of student.
I believe that students from the Muldoon area will have to compete with the best students in the world, and deserve an education as good as that of any student. I pledge to give my all to that end.
I also volunteer my time in my community as the Chair of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors, and teach Community Schools classes in Astronomy. |
