We’re thrilled to introduce one of the newer faces joining the Salem High School family: Thomas Dulaney, who has stepped into the role of Engineering and Basic Technical Drawing teacher in the Tech ED Department. A veteran of many Virginia Beach schools, he has brought positivity and a passion for engineering to our students and community over the last year and a half. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey.
Q: What do you teach and/or what is your role? Please include sports and club sponsorships.
A: I teach Introduction to Engineering and Basic Technical Drawing with an emphasis on Computer-Aided Drafting using AutoCAD and Onshape. We are trying to incorporate Technology Student Association into our coursework as a club/organization. I am also a resource sponsor for the TSA Trifecta.
Q: Where were you previously, and what brought you to Salem?
A: This is teaching year 43 for me. I started teaching at Virginia Beach Junior High School/Virginia Beach Middle School. I did split teaching at Independence Junior and Princess Anne Junior High Schools my first two years. I then opened Landstown Middle School for it’s first five years and then opened Corporate Landing Middle School until I retired in 2013. Upon retiring, I taught at Atlantic Shores Christian Schools for six years. I then returned to VBCPS to teach four years at Kellam High School. I taught one year at Ruffner Academy (Middle School) in Norfolk. I am currently in my second year teaching at Salem High School.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Salem so far?
A: Salem is a great school with great students. The teachers and administration here care about their students and take time to be supportive of their students even after the academic hours are over.
Q: What inspired you to go into education (or work in a school)?
A: I was suggested to teach instead of going into the engineering/architecture fields because I care about those around me who struggled with the engineering and architecture classes I was in. It all goes back to a professor who saw my true potential.
Q: Share a fun fact about yourself (favorite music, hobbies, books).
A: I describe myself to my students as a “nerd” because I love hands-on projects, science fiction, and “honey-do” projects around my home. I also care about my students, not just passing, but to see the big picture of their careers, but to exceed in what they do.
