Richard Todd Nance

• Position: DC English teacher:

• Degrees & Alma Mater: 

• • • Bachelor’s degree history and English: University of Kansas
    • Master’s degree teaching: Pittsburg State University
    • Graduate Certificate in teaching writing: University of Missouri Kansas City

• School Activities: UIL Ready Writing coach
• Years at Caney Creek: 7
• Years Teaching: 17

How would other people describe your high-school self?

I was a mix between the teacher’s pet and the guy having fun. I was an athlete: football and basketball, also in National Honor Society.

Was there a career you wanted to pursue OR pursued before teaching?

I was a full-time pastor in Kansas City for 28 years. I ‘m still working in ministry at my local church in Willis, Abundant Life Church.

Tell us about how you got into teaching.

A lady that I used to take to Sunday School on the bus ran into me at Walmart. She was a principal at a local high school, and she asked me if I had ever thought about teaching. 

What do you do outside of school for fun? Why?

I like to travel. I book speaking engagements, and also teach courses at other colleges.

When people get to know you, what are they most surprised to learn about you? 

Probably that I’m a minister.

What is something you know a weird amount about that isn’t related to something you teach?

Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Harry Potter, ante-bellum prison systems, etc. I am quite the nerd about many things.

Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.

I am proud of my student’s successes. I had a student get a full-ride to Stanford and one of my last year students went to Notre Dame. I’m also proud of the students that struggle and then makes good every time.

Who is someone you are thankful for and why?

I am thankful for my wife, a great companion that shares my passion. My three sons, their wives and all of my grandchildren. I am thankful for a solid church family.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Go to college as soon as you can, I waited 20 years to go to college.

What do you hope to be remembered for?

My passion for Christ, the truth, and literature.

What’s on your bucket list? 

I need to finish the books that I have in mind.

What aspirations do you have for the future?

I want to publish some nonfiction books, poetry and short stories.

Favorites

• Food: Mexican and Chinese
• Restaurant: Pappasitos and Pappadeauxs
• Music: Classical and Christian
• Book: The Bible, “Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, and  “Harry Potter” by J.K Rowling
• Teacher: Composition Professor: Ruby Mays; Western Civilization teacher in college: John Ryan; History professor at University of Kansas: Ben Sax.