Teacher of the Year

WorldStrides Teacher of the Year: Richard Tinsley II

In honor of  Teacher Appreciation Week, WorldStrides will be showcasing our five Teacher of the Year recipients. These teachers have gone above and beyond, inside of the classroom and out. We are thrilled to honor them for their commitment to students and share their stories!

Today’s recipient is Music teacher, Richard Tinsley II from Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, New Jersey. Richard is a dedicated teacher with a passion for performance and travel.

Richard believes in going above and beyond for his students. According to his nominator, “Mr. Tinsley connects with his students on every level.  Not only does he push us to perform at our very best, he watches our grades in other subjects, meets with students who are struggling to get them help,  is a confidant when we are having problems in school or at home but is ALWAYS a professional.  He sets boundaries that we respect as students…but the amount of love and support and passion that he exudes is palpable.  In addition to school, he performs in a group, is the sound guy for our musicals, provides vocal rehearsal assistance to students who want to break into the business and outsources students to other vocal teachers if he thinks collaboration with that coach will improve the student.  He chaperones our trips and numerous school activities and is active in his church.  He teaches, coaches, gives 23 hours a day…and saves that last hour to catch a wink of sleep and does it all over again and again.   As students, he is modeling a work ethic that is far above what a typical teacher is paid to do…there is not enough money to pay a teacher who is as dedicated as Tinsley!  It is great to win, but it is immeasurable to learn and be encouraged and know we have someone like him in our corner.”

We appreciate Richard’s hard work and dedication.

Congratulations Richard!

With the help of Richard’s colleagues, we surprised him with the news. Watch the video of our live surprise!