Sierra Pacific High has a new English teacher, Douglas Pitkin who teaches three English 1 classes, one English seminar class, and two LAS classes. He is also the new boys varsity basketball team coach. Before moving over to Sierra Pacific Pitkin worked at Hanford High for eight of the 25 years he also taught and coached their girls varsity basketball team.
Pitkin attended University of Nevada and graduated with a Bachelors and Masters degree in English. He at first did not want to be a teacher.
“I never intended on teaching as a profession.” Mr.Pitkin states “I had begun doctoral work in English when the assistant principal from my high school (Crossroads) asked me to teach for him in Michigan; I hadn’t been to the midwest and wanted to see more of the country.”
Having loved the experience Pitkin decided to pursue teaching professionally.
Being a basketball coach was also something he hadn’t planned on doing. During his first year teaching in Michigan, he was also the interim Athletic Director, He said “When the boys’ basketball coach quit suddenly, I had to fill in.”
After that he decided he would love to continue coaching basketball and is still continuing to do so after 24 years.
Pitkin takes inspiration from John Wooden who also is an English teacher and the UCLA basketball coach.
“The coach who inspired me the most would have to be John Wooden, the greatest coach in college basketball history.” Pitkin said “who embraced the challenges of coaching at UCLA. Disciplined and determined, he finished his college coaching career with 10 national championships, a record that will never be broken. Brilliant man, brilliant coach, and a compassionate human being.”
With moving schools and basketball teams he also went from coaching girls basketball to boys.
“Regardless of gender or level, hard work is seminal to success” He said “and we have been working very hard since June both in the gym and the weight room. We will be ready to compete against any and all opponents.”
“I was excited to switch schools because my son was able to transfer with me, and I can coach him for four years as the varsity basketball head coach.” Being able to teach at the same school his son attends and being able to coach them as well has been Pitkins favorite part of switching High schools. He also loves the administration, faculty staff, and campus “Feels fabulous.”
Pitkin left a good impression on old students. “I think he’s smart and very passionate” Naiomi Behrens, an old student from his English honors class at Hanford High. “I think he’s just a good teacher in general.” and new students as well “I think he’s very good at what he does.”
Abigail Ready, a new student of his in his third period class.
