Since its establishment in 1989, we have had hundreds of teachers come and go. Mr. Thomas Clouser and Mr. Tabb Pearson are two of the longest-standing members of the History Department and they will both be retiring at the end of the school year.
Thomas Clouser
When did you first start working at Salem?
I started in August of 1999.
What caused you to begin a career in teaching history?
It was my 11th-grade history teacher who got me interested in History. When I started college I knew that I wanted to coach, so what better way to combine both of my passions, History and coaching.
Did you intend to stay working for Salem for as long as you have?
I started my teaching career in Ohio (6 years) and then moved to Va. Beach, taught for 5 years at Kempsville. Once I started here there was no other school I wanted to go to teach at. Even on bad days (and there have been a few) Salem has always pulled together and made this such a special place.
What has been the best part of your experience working here?
The students I have taught over the years have been fantastic. They are the ones that make Salem such a special place. What makes it even more special is when former students that I have taught come to Salem and teach. (Mr. Gabe Crawford and Mr. Paul Xenakis)
What will you miss most about Salem?
The great friendships that I have forged while at Salem. I will miss the daily interaction with them. And the students. I have said this for years, the students bring life and energy to the school and that is what has kept this old person feeling young.
What do you hope to do during retirement?
Sleep in, Golf, Golf, and Golf. My wife and I plan on traveling on small weekend trips around the country. Take a train trip somewhere. Visit my daughter in Savanna and looking forward to a long trip in the Spring to Europe. But I do plan on coming back to Salem to sub; you can take the teacher out of Salem, but you can’t take the SunDevil out of the teacher.
Tabb Pearson
When did you first start working at Salem?
August of 1989, when the school opened.
What caused you to begin a career in teaching history?
I was interested in law school, but needed to take care of student loans from undergraduate school (Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush didn’t cancel my college debt). I thought my history degree would be useful in teaching, but I didn’t expect to teach for 38 years.
Did you intend to stay working for Salem for as long as you have?
I taught for three years at my alma mater, Green Run, and moved to Salem in 1989. No, I didn’t expect to be here in 2024, but I like Salem and have enjoyed spending the better part of my career here.
What has been the best part of your experience working here?
I’ve worked with about eleven principals (if you include Dr. Rogers who was here for about 6 months) and many fantastic teachers, but it’s the students at Salem that have made the experience worthwhile. I’ve been blessed to teach many wonderful young people as a teacher at Salem.
What will you miss most about Salem?
I will miss working with my students and the camaraderie of my colleagues. Life takes all of us through many ups and downs and throws us many curveballs, but the one real constant for me has been Salem.
What do you hope to do during retirement?
I can’t wait to continue traveling. I’ve been fortunate to see parts of the world that I never dreamed I’d see, but there are many more places on the bucket list (next spring to SE Asia, Australia, & New Zealand). It will be great to travel during other parts of the year besides summer. Retirement will provide more time to golf and hike, and it will give me the chance to spend more time with my family and friends. I may also follow in Gary Gardner’s footsteps and substitute occasionally at Salem.
If you see Pearson or Clouser, stop by and say hello, and thank them for their many years of hard work and dedication to our community.
