Backed by a career of writing, teaching, coaching, directing, and producing, John Teaford joined the Trinity-Pawling community as an English teacher this past August. “My resume can seem as though it’s describing the lives of numerous people—writing, film, sport, academia—but in truth I am just a “young man” who has lived a very long time,” Teaford commented. “I have also been very fortunate to meet with many unique opportunities along the way. My new tenure at Trinity-Pawling is the most recent of these.”
As he begins the new school year, Teaford brings a lifetime of varied experiences to both the classroom and the playing field. With a passion for writing, he is especially delighted to be joining the English department. “The most lovable thing about teaching English is the lack of exactness inherent to it…rules get bent, communication proceeds regardless of proper grammar or punctuation, and a book says what we interpret it to say,” he shared. “The author may have written it, but the book belongs to me. I love that.”
Teaford also looks forward to bringing his coaching expertise to the Pride. He has coached at the prep school and professional levels in several sports, including speedskating, Nordic skiing, cycling, and triathlon. He has even led athletes to Olympic teams, medals, and world records, including the United States Speedskating Team. At Trinity-Pawling, he will take on Middle School basketball and JV baseball. “I’ve come to learn that coaching is simply another form of teaching,” Teaford explained. “I find that personal connection to the athletes is most important. It can overcome any technical shortcoming the coach might have, and often results in athletes overcoming their own perceived limitations.”
Still, Teaford’s fascinating experiences do not stop there. He also spent many years as Director of Feature Films and Producer/Director of Broadcast Documentaries for Warren Miller Films, the organization that makes the quintessential ski movies. “The best part of that job was choosing the locations for all the films…the Alps, Andes, Himalayas, Rockies. My passport filled to bursting nearly every year!” Teaford shared.
Fueled by his versatility and ambition, Teaford is ready to dive in to his next set of adventures at Trinity-Pawling. In the classroom, on the fields and courts, and everywhere in between, he hopes to convey to his students, if nothing else, one simple and poignant message: do what you love.