Teacher Voices: Dexter High School Teachers Dennis Stockwell & Will Floss

 

DENNIS STOCKWELL, DHS
SOON-TO-BE-RETIRED TEACHER

Dexter High School GraphX teacher Dennis Stockwell has taught for the past forty years, the last thirty at Dexter Community Schools. After a long and successful teaching career, Mr. Stockwell will be retiring at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. DCS wishes him all the best in his retirement!

Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?
A. I became a teacher to share the knowledge and experience I gained in the Graphic Communications industry with young people. It is deeply rewarding for me to see students light up when they complete a graphic task and begin to develop a passion for the field.

Q. Reflecting on your years of teaching, what are some of the most significant changes you've witnessed, either at Dexter or in education in general?
A. Technology has changed so much in Graphic Communication and education in general. For example, the transition to digital layout and design allows students to complete tasks quickly and produce more. However, by increasing the rate at which students can produce work, they often forget important aspects of the process. Getting students to slow down and understand that the process can be as important as the outcome has become more difficult, but much more important.

Q. Can you share a memorable teaching moment or student success story that has stayed with you over the years?
A. Many of my former students have gone on to successful careers in the Graphic Communications industry. Here are just a few:

• Kylie (Hubbard) Dykema (Class of 2008) runs the Graphics Communications program at Kent ISD outside of Grand Rapids
• Cole Horvath (Class of 2019) works at Econoprint in Dexter and also runs his own print production company (Michigan Made Printz)
• TJ Ward (Class of 2007) is an entrepreneur at Kalamazoo Commercial Real Estate, and does all of his own marketing and branding
• Matt Janos (Class of 2008) works at Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company
• Rachel (Ariyavatkul) LaMont (Class of 2008) is graphic designer focusing on UX/UI (user experience/user interface)
• Jessica (Sowers) field (Class of 2008) is the Senior Assistant Director for Michigan Medicine Events
• Houston Douglass (Class of 2009) is a freelance photographer who travels the world for work
• Jacob Prusakiewicz is the owner and operator of screen printing and embroidery business ‘Live Love Michigan’

Q. How have you adapted your teaching methods over time to meet the evolving needs of your students?
A. Like I said earlier, technology has changed a lot in the Graphic Communications and imaging fields over the years, so I focus a lot on foundational skills that students will always need such as creativity, critical thinking, and communication.

Advances in our production capabilities have expanded the range of options available to our customers. Customer communication, once primarily delivered through printed materials, has increasingly moved to digital platforms. Marketing strategies have also evolved—many industries now use screen-printed apparel, as well as custom glasses and mugs featuring company logos and advertisements, far more than when I began my career. The transition from print to digital has led us to focus on new methods for creating and sharing customized graphics and advertising, adapting to the ever-changing world beyond the school environment.

Q. What advice would you offer to new teachers entering the profession?
A. I would tell new teachers that it's impossible to plan for everything, so stay flexible. Don't try to do it all; focus on improving your skills as a teacher and meeting students' needs.

Q. How do you maintain your passion and enthusiasm for teaching year after year?
A. I maintain my enthusiasm for teaching by staying focused on the kids. Watching their growth and celebrating their successes helps me remember why I became a teacher.
 

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WILL FLOSS, DHS
NEW-TO-THE-PROFESSION TEACHER

Will Floss is a first-year teacher at Dexter High School, teaching Food and Nutrition, Housing and Interior Design, and Human Growth and Development. Prior to teaching, he was an Outreach Manager at a non-profit restaurant in downtown Denver where he did a mixture of community education on composting, food accessibility/security, and food rescue. He also ran a food truck, cooking and feeding the area’s unhoused population. Floss has experience as a private gardener specializing in growing food, and teaches private voice lessons. “I don't have the typical teacher background and have worn many hats, but I think all of these experiences have culminated in a real-world approach to all of my classes where students are learning crucial life skills and information that will help them as they journey through their lives,” he says.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?
A. Teachers have been my main source of inspiration and support throughout my life. I’ve always had the utmost respect for teachers and the profession. I am a very community-oriented person and I thought to myself, “what better way to support and plug into the community?” My main motivation is connecting with, learning from, and mentoring the upcoming generation. 

Q. As a new teacher, what are some of the challenges you've encountered, and how have you overcome them?
A. One of my biggest challenges is learning everyone's names in the District! I have over 100 students each semester, plus all the staff at DHS, let alone all the other buildings. I’ve overcome this by making flashcards and quizzing myself at home–it has helped a ton with all the names and positions! 

Q. Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud or fulfilled as a new teacher?
A. Having a Foods I student from last semester come back to my classroom. He was so excited because he has been cooking more at home and really wanted to show me the meals he had been making. I believe learning cooking skills is one of the most important and empowering things you can do! Seeing this student come back, beaming with pride about the food he had cooked, really warmed my heart. 

Q. What support systems or mentorship opportunities have been valuable to you as you navigate your first years of teaching?
A. During your first few years of teaching you are paired with a mentor teacher. Krickett Chamberlin is my mentor teacher and I couldn’t think of anyone better! Krickett’s love, commitment, skill, and dedication to DHS is inspiring and encouraging. She is a beacon of light for both DHS and the entire Dexter community! I’m so thankful for guidance and support for my first year of teaching! 

Q. What goals do you have for your teaching career, and how do you envision yourself growing and developing as an educator?
A. My goals for my teaching career are to expand my offerings on cooking skills and culinary classes. I previously worked for a non-profit restaurant and became very passionate about the subjects of food security, sustainability in food, combatting/educating on food waste, and food rescue. I would love to incorporate these topics into more of my classes. In my wildest dreams, this would also include innovations like a hydroponic system, a school garden, food preservation skills, and a chicken coop! Teaching more hands-on skills will really connect the dots between where our food comes from, how it gets to our plate, and what happens to the waste created.

Q. How do you maintain your enthusiasm and passion for teaching, especially during challenging times?
A. When I’m experiencing challenges, It really all comes back to the kids. It feels amazing to know that no matter what is going on in my life, I have a group of kids who admire me and are counting on me to show up and lead them. The kids at DHS have really inspired me to push through the darker times and show up for them!