Catching Up with Dave Field
Source/Author: Stacy Alexander, Director of Alumni
November 21, 2019
On any list of favorite or most impactful Shorecrest faculty members, David Field is certain to be there. Mr. Field retired in 2015, after 25 years of teaching at SPS. For many of our beloved faculty members, their impact and ability to engage, inspire and lead is a testament to their care for their students and their dedication to their profession.
Q&A with David Field:
What drew you to a career in education? Please also share how you came to work at Shorecrest.
I was always involved in athletics and I always enjoyed working with kids. As a college student I ran the summer recreation program for Williamstown, Massachusetts, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I intended to be a Physical Education teacher but circumstances changed and I began to teach math and coach football. I was just recently asked what my passion is, and thinking back over the years I have to say that I always wanted (and still do) to help people. I get a lot of joy and satisfaction from helping others and a career in education was a perfect fit for me. I always loved teaching and coaching.
I had a young son who got terrible earaches from November through March and we thought a warmer climate would benefit him. So when an opening came up at Shorecrest for a high school math teacher and football coach, I applied and was hired. (I think I was hired due to the fact that I had sent a photograph of myself to the school with my application and I happened to be wearing a gold shirt with a green sweater. It must have been fate that got me the job at Shorecrest.)
What subject area did you teach at Shorecrest and what did you like most about teaching that subject?
I taught Upper School math, everything from Algebra I through BC Calculus. I did many other things as part of the Shorecrest community including coaching Varsity football, coaching Boys and Girls track, and driving the school bus. I was the Math Department Chairman for several years, ran an FCA group, and headed up Math Club where we went to math competitions for many years.
What is your fondest Shorecrest memory?
My fondest memory was being able to coach my son in football for four years. We were fortunate to have a lot of talent during those four years and were very successful. Going to Harvey's after a Friday night game was special. Also, having my son travel to away games with us as water boy when he was just a small tyke leaves me with such fond memories. There are so many great memories of such wonderful students and parents. I can honestly say that there was not a day that I did not enjoy teaching at Shorecrest. The students were amazing and the parents so supportive. It was like one big family.
What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Shorecrest?
I guess my biggest takeaway has to be the many memories and friends I have come to know and love, there are too many to name, both faculty and students alike. Not to mention that I met my wife of 18 years at Shorecrest. I love hearing how alumni are doing now, what their professions are, where they are living, etc. It is not so much about the teaching as it is about developing relationships and helping each other grow in all ways.
Is there anything you'd like to say to Shorecrest alumni?
Keep in touch! I enjoy seeing alumni, I love connecting on Facebook, and I love reading about them in the Alumni magazine. Seeing those names brings back great memories!
We hope to make this series a fixture in future communications! If there is a former or current faculty or staff member that you would like spotlighted, please email Stacy Alexander, Director of Alumni and Community Engagement, at [email protected].
