Extraordinary Educator: David Pearl, Yarmouth High School

Author: Abby Rioux
Community Involvement
Published: Monday, 23 May 2022

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Image caption: David Pearl, Yarmouth High School

Junior Achievement of Maine, in partnership with MEMIC, recognizes educators for their tremendous work, passion, grit, and perseverance. As role models and mentors, educators empower, motivate, and inspire students to envision a future of possibility. Join us for our 2^nd annual Extraordinary Educators campaign as we take a closer look at Maine educators, their stories, their commitment to serving our youth, and the impact they have on students.

David Pearl started teaching in Yarmouth 23 years ago. Prior to Yarmouth, he taught in South Africa, at Oak Hill High School, and Brimmer and May School in Massachusetts. Amy Bongard, Interim Principal notes, “he is the consummate brainstormer and barnstormer, always creative in his solutions and ready to work quickly and effectively to turn a project or activity around. These qualities make him such an excellent role model for students and, really, for all of us.”

Read further to learn about David and he’s a 2022 "Extraordinary Educator".

What is a mantra you live by?

Bend with the Wind.

In what ways have your students surprised you this year?

How dedicated and enthusiastic they were to understanding and mastering the Titan Challenge program. I scheduled some early before school meetings with our new finance club and they all showed up and were eager to get to work.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

That curiosity is a powerful and positive thing. Be Curious. Be open-minded and a lifelong learner. You never know how a new experience or idea could change your life for the better.

Share a moment when you felt most joyful or inspired about the work that you do.

I am inspired all the time by my students. It can be as small as enthusiasm by students in discussing a relevant issue or as students volunteering to wake up early on a Saturday to volunteer at a charitable organization.

Is there a memorable JA moment that resonates with you?

This year there was one memorable moment when during our Finance Club meeting I watched as our veteran club leaders were mentoring the underclassmen during a head-to-head practice game as we prepared for the Titan Challenge. Seeing them mentor their classmates was really cool.

As a long-time Junior Achievement Titan educator, David has prepared dozens of students to compete in this one-day event. After finishing first in the 2021 competition, David’s winning team created the Finance Club to share their newly found passion for business and entrepreneurship with other students. And in 2022, David watched as the same team was awarded first place for a second year in a row; the first to have back-to-back first place wins! Team-member Frazier D. shares, “while working together it became clear that Mr. Pearl is not an ordinary teacher. While he’s profoundly smart and can lecture forever, what separates Mr. Pearl is his ability to connect with students, understand the world, and share his extensive knowledge in an engaging way.”

Thank you, David for serving Maine’s youth and empowering the next generation! Learn how you can get involved as an educator, volunteer, or corporate partner and truly make a difference.

By following our Extraordinary Educators campaign on JA's social media platforms, you can help us honor Maine’s educators by showing your gratitude and appreciation for their tremendous service.

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