Community : Teacher Features

This profile of Mr. Connolley was written by Sherrah Williams, Keystone student and member of the Keystone Connection staff. Following are excerpts from the May Teacher Feature:

Like many valuable KNHS instructors, Richard Connolley dedicates himself to helping his students achieve success and stresses the importance of a good education.

Mr. Connolley teaches correspondence courses in American History and World Geography. He attended Bloomsburg University, attaining a BS in Education and teaching certification in Social Studies and English.

While in college, Mr. Connolley worked with teachers involved in an experimental school and worked on a public playground during summers. These experiences made him realize that he wanted to become a teacher. "I enjoyed what I did and felt that I could make a contribution by teaching," he says. Also, Mr. Connolley always loved to read about history, especially the period during the Civil War and the lives of the presidents, which is why he chose to teach Social Studies courses.

Mr. Connolley feels that Keystone has many advantages, including the flexibility that distance learning gives students; students can study at their own pace, while working or taking classes at other schools, building their self-esteem and confidence. "I also feel you become a better student because you are responsible for your education," he admits.

Mr. Connolley has shared many successes with his students, but he remembers one success story in particular. A student enrolled in one of his courses was terminally ill and was determined to complete his course. Mr. Connolley helped motivate him, and the student eventually finished the course. Mr. Connolley would advise other students at Keystone to set high goals, learn to motivate themselves, and continue their education throughout their lives.

To read the rest of the article on Mr. Connolley, visit the Keystone Connection Online.