Richard Mettler

Educational Background

A.S. Math and Science, Niagra County Community College
B.S. Zoology, Humboldt State University
Single Subject Professional Clear Credential in Biology, Humboldt State University

Personal Information

I was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York. I lived in Humboldt County for 10 years and moved to Sonoma with my wife, Christine in 2004. Our son, Dawson, was born on January 2, 2006. I love to travel and have been to Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Hawaii, and throughout the United States. My favorite activities include kayaking, backpacking, and exercising with my wife and son.

Subjects Taught

I teach Math and Science to seventh and eighth graders.

Began Teaching at River School

Fall 2004

Taught Before

This is my fifth year teaching at River School. Prior to teaching at River School, I taught as a substitute teacher in the Eureka City Schools for two years before entering the credential program at Humboldt State University. While in the credential program, I taught as a student teacher at Zane Middle School in Eureka, CA.

What is important to you in education?

Education is crucial to each person, community, and the world. It allows us to work together, communicate, and understand the world we live in. We all learn more and more every day. It is important to me, as a teacher, to create an environment in my classroom where learning is embraced and sought after each and every day.

To do this, there are many aspects of teaching that are important to me. One is to make the curriculum relevant to the student's lives. This will enhance the student's interest and allow them to absorb the information more completely. A second aspect is to accept mistakes as lessons. The students and myself will make mistakes throughout the year. I am an avid believer that making mistakes can be a positive experience when we learn from the mistakes.

What Defines the River School to you?

River School is a very unique school in my eyes. A word that defines the school the most is community. River School maintains a strong sense of community among students, staff, and faculty. All members of the River School community interact amongst one another with a sense of belonging and respect for one another. This allows us to all become more productive as learners and educators, while simultaneously building positive relationships with one another.

Another unique characteristic of River School, which is obvious to anyone who sits in a River School classroom for a day, is each students desire to learn. As described in the school's mission, the faculty encourages students to come prepared and take on their education as their own responsibility. It is apparent in the way faculty relate to students, as well as, in the way students relate to faculty, peers, and their coursework.