Profiles in Service:

Mr. Tim Chambers

by Br. Joseph Lockwood, SDB

Mr. Tim Chambers, the first lay principal of Salesian High School in Richmond, Calif., commutes 30 miles to work from the quiet town of Novato. He resides there with Kristi, his wife of 14 years, and their two sons, Colin (9) and Aidan (6). He has been doing this since 1986, the year Tim began his high school teaching career.

Tim's career in education was a given. He was a "natural." Tim attended high school in Brasher Falls, N.Y., and matriculated at Plattsburgh State University, Wadhan Hall College and St. Bonaventure University, all in New York State. Before graduating from St. Bonaventure in 1976 with a master's degree in theology, he was offered a teaching position at Wadhan Hall College. He later completed a master's degree in history from the University of Notre Dame.

After teaching several years, Tim continued his education in a doctoral program in Berkeley, Calif. He changed his major to educational administration, a decision which led him to Sonoma State University, where he completed

another master's degree, this time in educational administration.

Tim's teaching experience prior to 1986 had been only in college venues with older and maturer students who were willing to study. While looking through the want ads, he found a teaching position available at Salesian High School, then an all-boys school, which became coed. The high school scene was a complete shock! Teaching high school was a tremendous challenge for him and, after a few weeks, Tim was really discouraged but determined to finish out the year.

Toward the end of the academic year, Tim moaned to the school's bookkeeper that he was thinking about throwing in the towel because the boys were so hard to control, and keeping their attention in class seemed impossible.

The bookkeeper told Tim that his problems were no different from those of any other typical first-year teacher. Encouraging him, she told him the second year would be easier. Besides, the students needed him, and he should try one more year.

Tim's second year began with a new outlook. A new administration had plans to build up the school's standards and enrollment. "Reason, Religion and Kindness" were the first words the new principal gave the faculty at the beginning of the school year. Tim didn't understand these principles at first, but these basic Salesian educational "buzz words" began to make sense. "If you practice these concepts of reason, religion and kindness, they work," Tim said, "especially with the toughest boys. They really work!"

Tim describes the teaching at Salesian High School as holistic. He explains: "One teaches the complete boy and girl. When one teaches at Salesian, he or she is involved in the students' social life, home life, school life and religious life. A teacher does not just teach; he or she cares and is involved in the life of each student."

In the spring of 1993 Tim became the assistant principal. Fr. John Itzaina, then director/principal, chose Tim because of his knowledge and understanding of current educational practices as well as his kindness, patience and sensitivity to the needs of the students. Fr. Itzaina was amazed how Tim could negotiate disagreements between students or between student and teacher.

In 1993 Salesian High went through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation. Tim endeavored to instill the theme of "Focus on Learning" not only in the teachers but in the students and the classified staff as well. Tim's challenge was the students. He wanted to help them understand that learning was a life-long process and not just a four-year tour of duty.

In 1997, Tim became principal of Salesian. His style of administration is one of collaboration with the other administrators. His ambition is to see Salesian High School grow as a first-class school, a place of learning and of caring for the students. He envisions exciting opportunities ahead for this educational institution in West Contra Costa County of Northern California as the school moves into the new millennium.