Gary Myers
Former Principal of Terra Nova High School in Portland, OR
As the guiding hand behind Terra Nova’s success, Gary brought years of experience with the NWRESD’s Outdoor Leadership Program and Cascade Education Corps to Terra Nova. Inspired by the enthusiasm of the kids who participated in these programs, he set out to establish a bigger and more comprehensive high school program when the other programs were ended. Along the way, he was introduced to the Big Picture philosophy and found that it was a perfect fit with his ideals.
Presently, Gary has left Terra Nova to be the leading force behind integrating the Big Picture design into more educational programs across Oregon.
How would you describe your experience at this Big Picture school so far? It has been wonderful working with such a dedicated group of advisors, students, mentors, parents, and school district staff as we have developed Terra Nova over the past few years. As the only Big Picture School in Oregon, we are really breaking new trail with this project. We all spend a lot of time explaining our program and philosophy, which helps us define and refine our message.
How do students benefit from Big Picture Learning’s educational design? We work with a wide variety of students, representing the full range of ethnic, socioeconomic and academic groups in the district. Our students come to use for a variety of reasons, but all with a common theme of wanting to take charge of their education and be actively engage in learning on a regular basis. Our students are generally motivated, engaged and happy to be here.
How is your school different from your former schools or other schools in which you’ve been involved? We are starting a new program this fall called the Terra Nova Community Farm in which students will plan, develop and operate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) business on our school site. Students are working the soil this fall in preparation for planting vegetables early this spring. Our intention is to sell shares in the farm to families in the community to provide financial support for the program. Shareholders will receive a weekly box of produce from the farm throughout the growing season. We will employ at least three students to manage the farm throughout the summer months.
Five People Who Inspire Gary:
- Heidi Myers (his 6 year old daughter)
- Erik Myers (his 9 year old son)
- James Myers (his 15 year old son)
- The students at Terra Nova High School
- The staff at Terra Nova High School