Craig Schmidt, chairman of the history department, will retire this summer after 30 years of service to Darlington School, announced Head of School Brent Bell today.
"Craig's commitment to Darlington and his students is second to none," said Bell. "Each year when I meet with students, many reflect fondly on the impact Mr. Schmidt had on their academic careers. In particular, they note the level of intellectual engagement in his class and that he taught them to write."
Schmidt has been a member of Darlington’s faculty since 1986, serving as department chairman since 1987.
"I was introduced to Darlington on the soccer field when I was a seventh-grade student at McCallie," said Schmidt. "My coach was Jim McCallie, who later became Darlington's president. My eighth-grade math teacher was Gordon Bondurant, who also later became Darlington's president. That same year my science teacher was a former Darlington teacher, Harry Milligan. I would have had Joe Campbell as my tenth-grade math teacher, but he had moved to Darlington by then. My second teaching position was at Memphis University School, and its headmaster was Ross Lynn. Ross had been an outstanding teacher, coach, administrator at Darlington before he headed MUS.
"I came to Darlington because having grown up at McCallie, I was familiar with the independent boarding school world, and I wanted to work with educators like Joe Campbell and Jim McCallie," Schmidt continued. "Since then, I have had the pleasure of working with many dedicated educators like David Powell, Sam Moss, Steve Killian, Jim Van Es, Sid Lockhart, Beth Wilson, Owen Kinney, Julia Dodd, Brian Inman, Kelly McDurmon, Kathy O'Mara, Chad Woods, Reba Barnes. The list is incomplete but these are some of the people that have made and make Darlington what it is today."
During his tenure, Schmidt has taught AP European History, AP World History, AP U.S. History, Ancient World History Honors, U.S. History, Modern World History, Ancient World History, Military History, Government & Economics (summer school), and Algebra I Review (summer school).
Additionally, he has served as adviser of the Chess Club, Scholar Bowl, Jabberwokk yearbook and National Honor Society. He has also coached varsity and junior varsity soccer. As a campus resident, he has served as a member of the Campus Duty Staff and the Academic Support Team, working primarily in Summerbell House.
"Craig is a lifelong learner, and I know he will have a vigorous and engaged retirement," Bell continued. "We wish him well. He will be missed."
Schmidt has received numerous honors and awards for his work with students, including being named STAR Teacher several times.
"I have stayed at Darlington this long because I have been able to pursue scholarship in my field and work with talented students from around the world," he said. "For me, teaching is about scholarship and students. To be a good teacher, I think you need to be equally dedicated to both.
"The most satisfying moments are when you see students grow intellectually," Schmidt continued. "All students are capable of this, but you must be willing to work with the students where they are. You must also challenge all students, and that requires that the teacher always keeps learning about his subject. Darlington has given me the opportunity to do both."
Schmidt holds a B.A. from New College and an M.A.T. from Duke University. A search is currently underway for his replacement.
