John E. (Jep) Peckler's Page

First Name:

John (Jep)

Last Name:

Peckler

Hometown:

Fresno, California

School/Organization Name:

Calaveras Unified School District

Job Title:

Principal, Toyon Middle School

City:

Valley Springs

State:

California

My Story:

I'm a former Peace Corps Volunteer teacher and a former English, history and journalism teacher with experience at elementary, middle and high schools. I've served students with skills ranging from the profoundly remedial to Advanced Placement. Through my experiences in the third world and in U.S. schools, I've learned to value the voices of all people. I've learned there is no monopoly on wisdom, insight, or common sense. Because of this, I'm a strong believer in the candid sharing of information with school governance teams-- from school boards to site councils to advisory groups to student councils--in order for these citizens to have meaningful roles in shaping policies and making decisions that effect their lives and their communities.

My Ideal School is a Place Where:

the members of the school community respect and value one another and firmly believe in their power to improve their personal and community lives through open mindedness, thoughtful reflection, and hard work.

My Religious Views:

Panthiest

My Political Views:

green, populist, democratic and independent

My Favorite Freedom:

speech

My Personal Heroes:

Ben Franklin, Mary Vaprovsky Peckler (grandmother)

My Favorite Journey:

crossing treeline

Recommended Reading:

"Three Cups of Tea", by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin; "Peace is Every Step", by Thich Nhat Hanh; "A Soldier of the Great War", by Mark Helprin; and "Offerings", by Danielle and Oliver Follmi.

Quotable:

... of the people, by the people and for the people.