February’s KFM Teacher of the Month is Dean Petrie, the Marching Band/Jazz Band director at Galesburg High School. Dean was nominated by Huong Hua. As KFM’s Teacher of the Month, Dean receives the Big Red Apple Award along with a $100 gift card and other gifts courtesy of Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Lacky Monuments, Cooks & Company and 105.3 KFM. Here’s a little bit about Dean Petrie:
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Where did you grow up? Galesburg
Years teaching: 34
Favorite Instrument Growing Up: Tuba
Favorite Instrument To Teach: I have an appreciation for all of them
Favorite Food: Anything Mexican and Indian
Least Favorite Food: Liver & Onions
My Favorite Movie: I’m a Star Wars fan
My Favorite TV Show: St Louis Cardinal Baseball
My Favorite Book: I like non-fiction books
My Favorite Sports Team: St Louis Cardinals
During My Spare Time I Like To: Kayaking on Spoon River, spending time with my family, watching tennis, going to kids activities and musical activities
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Here’s what Huong has to say about Dean:
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What sets this teacher apart from others? Mr. Petrie is an amazing teacher who runs the band program at the high school. He wears many hats in my opinion. I don’t know how he does it, but he is able to get 150 high school students to march in a synchronized fashion. My daughter tells me that he volunteers to conduct the jazz band at the high school. He also organizes the fine arts program for the district.
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What is one thing this teacher does that is not in their job description but they do it anyway to help you or your child? Mr. Petrie does many things for the kids. He will go out of his way to be sure the instruments are in working order. For example, two summers ago, my daughter’s oboe was not working properly. I brought him the instrument and he turned it in to be fixed while giving her a loaner so she could continue practicing the instrument. He will work with students one on one to hone up on their skills. He is planning a trip to take the kids to Chicago this spring to see the Blueman Group and the sights and sounds of the Windy City. Many kids don’t get this type of opportunity.
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Give an example of a way this teacher has helped or impacted you or your child. Mr. Petrie is responsive. He builds rapport with the kids. He works with the limited budget that we have in this district. In many of the competitions our band students are in this year, we may not have to brightest, shiniest costumes, but our students are proud of representing the school and the community. That says a lot about a band director and his commitment to the kids!
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Congratulations Dean for being named February’s KFM Teacher of the Month from Galesburg Nissan, Tompkins State Bank, Lacky Monuments, Cooks & Company and 105.3 KFM
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