Arlee adds new faces to school staff
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ARLEE — Two new teachers joined the Arlee School’s staff this fall: high school science teacher Bill Stockton and third-grade teacher Dustin Keltner.
Stockton, who moved to Arlee from Bonner, is filling in for high school science teacher Jeff Padgett while he’s on sabbatical.
Originally from Grangeville, Idaho, Stockton moved to Montana to attend the University of Montana. He has been married for two years to wife Betsy, and the couple have two dogs: Roger and Diesel. Stockton said he enjoys barbecuing with friends; playing with Roger and Diesel; watching, playing and coaching sports; and enjoying the beauty of Western Montana.
As a science teacher, Stockton believes firmly in in the power of questioning.
“What makes science so unique is that we are constantly searching for answers and questioning what we already ‘know,’” he explained. “I think that it is important to instill this into my students and help them feel comfortable asking questions.”
His favorite part of teaching is “watching students finally master something when they have been struggling.”
“The look on their face when it finally clicks is priceless,” Stockton said.
Keltner replaced third-grade teacher Paul Grier, who retired last year. He’s originally from Twin Bridges and graduated from the University of Montana Western.
Keltner and his family — wife Leah and sons Jordan, a freshman, and Jon, a seventh-grader — moved to Arlee from Chester, Mont. In his free time, Keltner enjoys hunting, fly fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Of his teaching philosophy, Keltner said he believes a teacher should be an inspirational role model.
“In order to inspire students, a teacher must establish exceptional classroom management skills, an effective educational curriculum, and constant motivation,” he explained. “The purpose of education is not only to enable students to become successful in their lives, but also teach them to be responsible and positive contributors to society. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to educate, motivate, and inspire students to value lifelong learning.”
Keltner enjoys teaching young students because he gets to work with “young minds who are motivated to learn.”
“Each and every day is different, and you get to work with children from different backgrounds and beliefs. Teachers often times form great relationships with parents and other members of the community,” he said.
“My favorite aspect of teaching, however, is that every day I get to make a difference in a young person’s life.”
