Mr. Larry McVey
Highlighted USD #374 Teacher
by Michael Lower
January 12, 2009
As often as we can we will highlight one or two teachers from the USD374 school district on our web site. Each teacher selected will have the opportunity to illustrate, in words and pictures, chosen elements of their position, as well as providing some personal insights regarding their job and life.
This is our premier highlight this week and I would like to thank Mr. Larry McVey, and all the High School and Middle School students in each of his classes, for their participation and patience with this entire project. Mr. McVey chose to have a picture taken of each of his students and their projects. You will see, upon reviewing the pictures, a wide range of projects in varied stages of completion. To see all the pictures you will need to click the first picture in each of the three series and the others will load. You can choose to go through the slides one-by-one or click on the play button and the slides will advance on their own.
Without any further ado, I would like to introduce our highlighted teacher:
Mr. Larry McVey
1. Tell us a little about yourself. (i.e. where you were born, raised, where you went to: elementary, middle, and high school, what your early life and school experiences were like.)
I was born October 1947 in Lamar, Colorado. I was raised on a Ranch/Farm 10 miles West of Pritchett, Colorado. I went to the Pritchett school for both Elementary and High School. I graduated with a strong desire to Rodeo as set by example from my Dad and Grandpa. Most all country kids all grew up rodeo-ing in that area, and time.
2. What is something your students probably don’t know about you?
There is not much my students don’t know about me, except maybe I talk too much. However, my most enjoyable times are spent with my granddaughters: Taylor, Autumn, and Paige. Life becomes much brighter and more serious when I am around them. They are Super Great!
3. What are some of your hobbies?
Anything I can’t make money doing:
Roping
Fishing
Hunting
Coaching Basketball
“Now Ranching”
My main hobby is being a grandpa to Taylor, Autumn, and
Paige.
4. What college(s) did you attend and what degree(s) did you attain?
Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK; Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts (Major) and Math (Minor) - 1969.
West Texas State University, Canyon, TX; Master in Education with emphasis in Industrial Technology – 1972.
I have been taking CAD classes at night for the past four years at Southwest Kansas Technical School in Liberal, Kansas under the direction of Mr. Steve Merz. The CAD classes have been exceptional and Steve’s teaching, his availability when I have questions, and most importantly his friendship have been invaluable.
5. What was one of your favorite classes in college? why?
My woodworking classes under Dr. Harold Kachel. Doc was a very tough but very fair in his dealings with his students. He took a real personal interest not only in one’s class work, but in the total individual on and off campus.
6. Why or how did you pick teaching as a profession and did you think that is what you would do with your life when you were in high school?
The ranch life we experienced demanded lots of work with not much financial security. With much determination, my mother was the single biggest reason I went to college and stayed. I had no idea what profession to pursue, but Mr. Guy Deeds, Jr., my shop teacher in high school, gave me some guidance. I still employ some of his ideas and projects in my classes. He was that one exceptional teacher and friend.
7. What all do you do at USD374?
I teach Middle School Industrial Arts, High School Industrial Arts, High School Computer Aided Design (CAD), and I am an assistant coach for the Middle School boys basketball team.
8. What are the things you like about teaching?
I like helping students make the transition from being a teenager to a young adult with the ability to make positive life decisions. My philosophy is, “the project is not the end, but a means to the end.”
9. In a paragraph or two, write how you feel about the students that you get to work with.
When Sublette students buy into a program they get lots of things accomplished. When good work is accomplished, it helps them make good sound decisions that can affect their lives in a positive direction.
Any feedback, suggestions, or comments on this article or any part of the web site can be given by sending an e-mail to mlower@usd374.org
