The Country School is an independent, coeducational, Pre-K through 8 school founded in 1934.

Right Start Blog

Getting to Know Mr. Everhart

7/13/2015

By: Amanda Priestley-Callis

The Country School’s new Head of Upper School, Wilson Everhart, begins his tenure at the school this month. We caught up with him to learn more about the administration’s newest addition.

What is your general philosophy about education?

I love to find ways to empower students to do the actual work of the discipline. Content has never been more available to students of all ages, and as a history teacher, one of the things I enjoy helping students is how to read, process, and analyze content. But what is really exciting is when you can empower students to build their own arguments, do the work of historians, or apply their new found historical literacy to today’s issues.

What are your guiding tenets when dealing with discipline issues?

I think it is important that all parties involved in the community (parents, students, and teachers) understand the values most important to the school community; and I believe that every conversation regarding a discipline must be grounded in those values. I believe that any disciplinary response must be measured, thoughtful, clearly articulated, and as consistent as possible. I also believe that it is important for the school to constantly balance and evaluate the needs of the individual students involved as well as the health of the overall school community.

What originally brought you to the Eastern Shore and what are your favorite spots around the area?

As a child, my godparents worked in St. Michaels, so we would come visit every summer in holiday. Once I was married, my wife worked in Easton, and it has been wonderful becoming reacquainted with the area. I love the Concert in the Park series at Muskrat Park in St Michaels and going for runs along the Miles River.

In light of the fact that you will be teaching history at The Country School, what is your favorite historical time period?

I find the Reconstruction Era fascinating as the nation transitions out of slavery – the ramifications of which we continue to watch unfold. I also find captivating the reasons the western world fell into two major world wars within a period of fifty years. While these two time periods are unrelated, I think I am drawn to them because of the remarkable stories surrounding these two eras, and the ways in which these eras continue to shape our present world.

What are your interests outside of education?

I enjoy spending time with family, running, being outside, reading, and watching baseball.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

“Shawshank Redemption” and the first 2/3 of “Stripes.”

And finally, black or gold?

I think I will try and stay neutral and support both colors – at least until my son is assigned a color in Kindergarten.

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