Legend has it that somewhere within the city limits of Hillsboro lies a forgotten VHS tape waiting to be rediscovered. The tape, we are told, features a young man standing in front of a blackboard singing "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers to a classroom of high school students. The children are mesmerized, we are assured, though we can't see them. This rendition was an early (and now sadly retired) tactic used to generate excitement around math.
The year was 1999, and Mr. Todd Salisbury had started his career in Hillsboro.
Hillsboro was Todd Salisbury’s first job after finishing student teaching. He quickly fell in love with the community and sensed it was where he would put down roots and start his family. "I am not a big city guy," Todd explains, "and it just felt right here."
In college, Todd had initially believed he would become an engineer. During his second year of school, he decided to transfer to UW-Eau Claire to be closer to his then sweetheart, now wife, Wendy. The decision to attend Eau Claire changed the trajectory of his career. At Eau Claire, he no longer had the option to finish an engineering degree, and Todd started to explore the possibility of becoming a teacher. But hid shift towards public education was due to more than variable degree options; Todd had started considering his own warm memories of high school, and noting the ongoing impact his teachers had had on him. What if he could create the same experience for the next generation?
Today, Mr. Salisbury has the distinction of having made good on this dream of making an impact. Throughout the years, former students have reached out and explained the impact his classes had on them, and that he, personally, had made a difference in their lives. "Those are the moments when I know I made the right choice. I hope to create great moments for my students."
Mr. Salisbury's impact extends well beyond his classroom walls. As a coach, he continues his work building student ability and confidence. "It's part of what makes our district special, the closeness of our staff and student body. I have great pride in our academics, our clubs, and athletic programs."
With over twenty-five years of service to the community, Mr. Salisbury has seen the school flex and grow to keep up with the ever-changing needs of students. Every year, it seems, public school districts are being asked to do more with less, and educators are on the front lines of that equation. How does Mr. Salisbury keep himself inspired and healthy, while balancing the demands of being a teacher?
"This is what keeps me going year after year - seeing a student who struggles with math finally 'getting it' and watching their confidence soar." These moments are the big “payoff” for most teachers, though Mr. Salisbury is thoughtful about utilizing his time away from his classroom to pursue other passions. “I enjoy lifting weights. Spending time outdoors, especially camping. Oh, and eating meatloaf.”
When asked about what he'd like the community to know about him, Mr. Salisbury said, "It has been an honor teaching and coaching the students of Hillsboro throughout the years. It is especially meaningful now, when I taught about half of my current students' parents."
Thanks to Mr. Salisbury for sharing his story with us.
Photo Credit: Gem Elmer