Name: Richard Kenyon
Hometown: San Diego, CA. I was born at Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest.
Years teaching: 19 years
Favorite activity/subject when you were a student in the grade currently teaching: In 2nd grade I loved writing and art more than anything. Outside of school I played Little League baseball with my dad.
Favorite thing about San Diego: The amazing weather and going to Petco Park to watch Padres games.
Tell us about your family: I am married to my beautiful wife, Yvonne, who is also a teacher in San Diego. We have been married for 19 years, but have been together since 10th grade in high school. My mom lives in San Diego as well. She comes to help out in my class every Thursday.
How do you nurture inquiry with your students? I am a naturally curious person so I am always asking questions in front of the kids to show them what I wonder about. Also, I like to give them objects and situations without telling them anything and encouraging them to ask questions to figure out what it is or what is going on.
Hobbies or how you like to spend free time? I am a huge Beatles fan and Padres Fan, so my free time is listening to Beatles records, especially on vinyl, and keeping up with the Padres. I am an avid lover of, and believer in, the power of the arts both in my personal and professional life. In all contexts the arts bring out the best in us all. In my personal life, I live and breathe music. I play my Fender Stratocaster guitar and listen to music every minute I can.
Travel or experiences as an IB Teacher: I have travelled many places including England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Italy, Canada, and Mexico. As far as IB trainings I have been to several in cities including, Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, and here in San Diego.
Why did you choose to/like working at McKinley? I live in North Park close to McKinley. I always say I would live in North Park if I didn’t work at McKinley, and would work at McKinley if I didn’t live in North Park, so I have the best of both worlds! I love the Craftsman architecture of the neighborhood ( We live in a 1924 Craftsman bungalow), the artistic vibe of the community, and of course the amazing IB program.
A word of advice/encouragement for students: Even though everyone always says they want to grow up, keep a little bit of a kid in you your whole life.
