Faculty Spotlight: Tim Whiton

College/ Degrees: Bates College, B.A. in Political Science and B.A. in History; Montana State, M.A. in History and Philosophy; University of Maine, PhD (abd) in History

Years of service: 1

Subject(s:) AP US History, World Studies

Other roles: Member of the Hastings dorm team

Fun fact: Mr. Whiton has a black belt in karate

Background you want to share? Mr. Whiton grew up (mostly) in Portland, Maine, but he spent nearly every weekend in the White Mountains, driving through Fryeburg to get there.  He had two uncles who attended FA, but he never imagined he’d end up living and working here.  Before coming to FA, Mr. Whiton was a Nordic ski coach and was Executive Director of the New England Ski Museum.  His wife is a professor at St. Joe’s, and they have two children, ages 6 and 3.

Why did you become a teacher? I’ve always been comfortable in a school environment. More recently, I have worked at the university level, but those jobs are hard to come by and don’t allow me to connect with students as much.

What is your favorite class to teach and why? They have all been awesome - very different classes with very different students, but they are all enjoyable.

What are your goals as a teacher? I want to help students understand that history is more than dates and an accumulation of facts. It helps us understand the present so we can make progress. I try to help them see why the material matters. I also want to help my students be better readers and writers.

What is the most important characteristic of a teacher, in your opinion? Students want authenticity from their teachers, so I am open and honest.  

Is there anything from your experience as a student that has influenced you as a teacher? I remember having to memorize things in school, like all Egyptian pharaohs - but that’s not what the modern student needs.  Students now have instant access to facts, so they need more than that.  I’ve also learned from my children that I need patience.

Advice for students? Be curious.  Ask why.  Get to the bottom of things.  That’s how you become an active participant in society.