When English teacher Wes Priest came to University in 2006, he was excited to share his passion with students. “I love writing, and I love the process of teaching
writing,” he states. For Wes, witnessing students’ progression from grappling with their first high school novel to mastering the art of composing thoughtful papers ready for college-level scrutiny is the gift of teaching at University.
Beyond the classroom, Wes’ heart belongs to the great outdoors. “One of the neat things about teaching here is being able to craft classes and J-Terms that let me teach the things I love.”
With history teacher Chris Bradley, Wes pioneered the recurring History of National Parks J-Term course, immersing students in the wonders of American landscapes like Yosemite and Yellowstone. He joins Mr. Bradley on mountain climbing-based J-Terms, challenging students to ice climb in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Additionally, Wes teaches Outdoor Leadership with fellow English teacher Jamie MacDougall. During the fall and spring semesters, Wes offers Environmental Literature, an Advanced English class popular with students.
In January, Wes was awarded a Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship to travel to Alaska to “pursue renewal and self-exploration through solitude, backcountry adventure, and landscape photography in some of Alaska’s most remote wilderness and iconic national parks.” As part of the fellowship, he has created a class for 2024-25 titled Adventure Literature.
Wes recognizes that University can transform lives, evident in the accomplishments of students and alums, including his own children, Rory (’10), Bailey (’14), Keegan (’21), and Audrey (’23). “I work at a place where I can make sure students feel validated, that someone believes in them, that they are supported. So working at this school, it’s rewarding,” he remarks.
The combination of Wes’ passion for writing, the outdoors, and the school’s transformational culture is powerful — for Wes, his students, and his colleagues.