Ann Arbor’s Pioneer High School boasts a dedicated faculty, and among them stands Don Packard, an English teacher whose roots in the city run deep. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Packard’s journey through the Ann Arbor Public Schools system, from Newport to Forsythe, and finally Pioneer High School, gives him a unique perspective on the institution he now serves. A proud graduate of Pioneer High School’s Class of 1983, Packard’s story is one of local commitment and a passion for education that has impacted generations of students in Ann Arbor.
Don Packard, Pioneer High School English teacher, in a portrait shot
After graduating from Pioneer, Packard’s academic journey continued just a short distance away at the University of Michigan. Initially exploring engineering and business, he discovered his true calling lay in the realms of English and education. This pivotal shift in his academic path set the stage for his return to Pioneer High School, not as a student, but as an influential educator.
Packard’s connection to Pioneer High School extends beyond the classroom. In the fall of 1987, he began coaching water polo at Pioneer, marking the start of a 15-year tenure. His leadership in the pool was remarkable, with his teams clinching five state titles and Packard himself being honored as coach of the year three times. This early success in coaching foreshadowed his lasting impact on Pioneer High School and its students.
In 1988, Packard transitioned into teaching at Pioneer High School, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the institution. Apart from brief periods at Huron High School and Slauson Middle School, Pioneer has remained his professional home. His personal life is also intertwined with education; he is married to Maria Murphy, an English teacher at Slauson Middle School. Together, they raise their family – Emma and Maggie, students at Pioneer High School, and Luke, a student at Slauson – in close proximity to Allmendinger Park, further cementing their Ann Arbor roots.
From Pioneer Student to Pioneer Educator: A Full Circle Journey
To understand Don Packard’s approach to teaching at Pioneer High School, it’s insightful to look back at his own experiences as a student within those same hallways. When asked about his favorite memories of English class at Pioneer, Packard fondly recalls the influence of David Tabler and Sue Frazier. He credits these educators with creating a learning environment that was both enjoyable and challenging, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones. This positive experience as a student clearly shaped his own teaching philosophy, emphasizing engagement and personal growth.
Reflecting on his time as a Pioneer High School student in the Class of 1983, Packard acknowledges the different context students face today. Rather than focusing on youthful indiscretions, he emphasizes his role as a teacher in guiding students through the complexities of high school, both academically and emotionally. He prioritizes creating opportunities for open discussion and supporting students in making informed and healthy choices as they navigate adolescence and prepare for their futures.
Packard’s social nature, a trait evident even in his grade school years, has also played a role in his teaching style. He admits to being a social child who thrived on interaction and communication with diverse groups. This inherent ability to connect with others likely contributes to his effectiveness as an educator and mentor at Pioneer High School.
Championing Student Development: Trailblazers and the Learning Center
Don Packard’s commitment to Pioneer High School students extends beyond traditional classroom teaching. He is deeply involved with the Trailblazers program, which connects Pioneer High School students with elementary school students for mentorship and academic support. Packard highlights the program’s dual benefit, serving both the younger mentees and the high school mentors.
In an era increasingly focused on STEM and STEAM fields, Packard emphasizes the importance of programs like Trailblazers, which encourage students to explore helping professions. While not all Trailblazers mentees will pursue careers in teaching or social work, the program provides valuable experience in collaboration and working towards the academic success of others, skills applicable across various fields. This initiative underscores Pioneer High School’s commitment to holistic student development and community engagement.
Don Packard working with students in a classroom setting at Pioneer High School
Further demonstrating his dedication to student support, Packard is instrumental in the Pioneer Learning Center. Working alongside Jen Kunec, he has helped develop this resource into a hub for students seeking academic assistance, tutoring, and a supportive learning environment. The Learning Center’s impressive milestone of over 10,000 student sign-ins in just over a year speaks volumes about its value to the Pioneer High School community and Packard’s role in its success.
The Passion that Fuels a Pioneer Teacher
Packard’s inspiration to become a teacher stems from a formative experience during his college years. A summer job teaching swimming lessons revealed the profound satisfaction of empowering young learners. Witnessing children overcome their fear and master swimming skills within a short period was a powerful motivator. He draws a parallel between teaching swimming and teaching English, recognizing the transformative impact of empowering students to read and write effectively. For Packard, playing a role in students’ academic development and witnessing their growth over the years is a deeply rewarding aspect of his profession at Pioneer High School.
With over three decades of experience in Ann Arbor Public Schools, the majority spent at Pioneer High School, Packard reflects on the rapid passage of time and the evolving nature of teaching. He emphasizes that effective teaching is fundamentally about communication. He believes that students are inherently motivated to learn, but they learn in diverse ways. Therefore, educators must provide varied options and opportunities for skill development. He stresses the increasing importance of equipping students with a diverse skillset to prepare them for future endeavors, regardless of their chosen path after Pioneer High School.
A typical workday for Packard is a testament to his dedication. Teaching Contemporary World Literature for the first three hours of the day is followed by time at the Learning Center during lunch, offering resources and tutoring. Trailblazers program responsibilities, seventh-hour classes, and after-school Learning Center duties fill the afternoon, often extending until late in the evening with preparation and grading. Despite the demanding schedule, Packard finds his work deeply worthwhile, driven by his passion for teaching and his commitment to Pioneer High School students.
For aspiring educators, Packard offers simple yet powerful advice: “Keep going. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Keep going. Teaching is a lifestyle. Enjoy every minute!” This encapsulates his own approach to teaching – a blend of meticulous preparation, unwavering perseverance, and genuine enjoyment of the profession.
Don Packard at his desk in Pioneer High School, surrounded by books and papers
Balancing Act: Recharging and Community Engagement
To recharge from his demanding schedule, Packard values travel, swimming, reading, and spending time with his family. He recognizes the importance of summer break for rejuvenation, having learned from past experiences that working through the summer left him feeling unprepared for the school year. This emphasis on work-life balance underscores his sustainable approach to a long and fulfilling career at Pioneer High School.
Packard’s involvement in the Pioneer Theatre Guild’s production of “High School Musical” showcases his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and engage with the Pioneer High School community in diverse ways. While he doesn’t consider himself an actor, he embraced the opportunity, inspired by the production team’s commitment to inclusivity and involving various members of the school community, including the boys’ basketball team and staff. This experience not only broadened his own horizons but also potentially inspired students to explore theatre and other extracurricular activities. Despite initial nerves, Packard found comfort in the supportive environment of the cast and crew, highlighting the strong sense of community within Pioneer High School.
Looking ahead, Packard expresses excitement about the continued development of the Pioneer Learning Center and its growing impact on students. While focused on his professional commitments in the present, he anticipates exploring new personal pursuits in the future, acknowledging that teaching, while a lifelong passion, is not a career for forever.
Don Packard’s story is deeply intertwined with Pioneer High School and Ann Arbor. From his student days to his influential role as an English teacher and mentor, he embodies the spirit of local commitment and educational dedication that defines Pioneer High School. His passion for teaching, his engagement with students, and his contributions to the school community make him a valued asset to Pioneer High School and the Ann Arbor community.
