Richard Townsend has served as a member of the Sidney High School Science Department for the past twenty-seven years. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology from SUNY Oswego in 1980 and his Master of Science Degree in Atmospheric Science from SUNY Albany in 1985. He has his Permanent New York State Teaching Certification in Earth Science, Physics, and General Science.
Mr. Townsend's classroom teaching is nothing short of excellence. On a daily basis, he sets high expectations for his students, implements rigorous curriculum, and, most importantly, ensures his students learn the required material. He currently teaches numerous college level courses in Sidney's early college program.
In addition to his exceptional teaching skills, Mr. Townsend has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills which he has instilled throughout his department. He served as the Science and Technology Department Chair from 1993-2011. Also, he has shown his leadership skills by being a cooperative teacher at Sidney for SUNY Oneonta for seven student teachers. Mr. Townsend has been the Sidney High School Science Olympiad Coach from 1996 to the present and continues to serve as the Director of the Sidney Central School Observatory. He has been selected into the New York State Master Teacher's Program, which is a highly selective group of teachers from across the state who have a tremendous knowledge of their content, pedagogy, and students. These are just a few examples of how Mr. Townsend has shown his commitment to education and the wellbeing of the entire school community.
Mr. Townsend has received many awards and honors throughout his teaching career. He was the 1996-1997 Sidney Central Schools Teacher of the Year. Also, in 2000 he was a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science in Teaching. In the same year, he was a Presidential Award Winner for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching which was administered by the National Science Foundation. His additional awards included the STANYS Section Service Award, the Chenango Land Trust Stewardship Award, and the Sidney Rotary Vocational Service Award.
Mr. Townsend has also dedicated his time to become a valuable community resource. He volunteered for flood relief efforts during the 2006 and the 2011 floods. He has created a flood monitoring program which has been recognized both statewide and nationally. When bad weather is forecasted, Mr. Townsend works with WCDO Radio Station to provide live on the air explanations of weather conditions. He is a volunteer consultant to the Delaware County Emergency Services to help provide expertise and flood monitoring.
Regarding Mr. Townsend's nomination to the Wall of Fame, Superintendent of Sidney Central Schools, William Christensen, stated, "Rich is a state recognized Master Teacher, a community leader, a mentor, and, most importantly, a great person that consistently puts his students' needs ahead of everyone."