Top Teachers
Saturday, June 21, 1997
Name: Carl Wheeler
Age: 64
Position: Math teacher, Mid-Pacific Institute
Education: Hamilton College, Cornell and Wesleyan universities
Pastimes: Travel, grandchildren
After 41 years of teaching math, Carl Wheeler looks back and says students have changed a lot. "Kids are a lot more sophisticated, and they're more vocal," he said. "They express themselves. They're more open to question and challenge -- which is all good." A career full of highlights
Today, hundreds of supporters are gathering at Mid-Pac to honor this "master teacher" who is retiring. A scholarship has been set up in Wheeler's name so he goes on doing what he does best: helping students.
During his career, Wheeler has received numerous accolades, including the 1990 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics. But asked about the highlights, Wheeler said they occurred every day. "The awards were nice, but frankly what is more valuable is the reaction from kids in the classroom and years later."
Twice Wheeler left the classroom for other positions, including headmaster of Mid-Pac. However, he said both times he "saw the error of my ways and went back to the classroom."
Proving that his dedication is returned, the 1997 graduating class made him an honorary alumnus.
"A certain math department head taught this 16-year-old one year of geometry and a lifetime of logic," one student wrote.
Describing retirement as "a little bit scary," Wheeler plans some travel to Europe and Asia.
And he already has an appointment for some part-time teaching next semester.
Alice Keesing, Special to the Star-Bulletin
