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Biographical Information

Previously served in administration positions at the local and state level as well as assisted in starting and redesigning multiple alternative programs. At the time of his award Richard Meserve taught multiple subjects at the REAL school on Falmouth, ME. The unifying link in all of his classes, regardless of the subject, is that he teaches at-risk students, those who need a very special kind of teacher to inspire and motivate them. Meserve has done just this across the board; he has improved attendance, academic performance, and credit standing for almost 100 percent of his students. His expertise in alternative education, as well as an unwavering love for his students is present in every class he teaches.

Meserve's students have responded positively to his teaching style, which consists of working in small groups, differentiated instruction, and real-world learning. Meserve takes his students out on adventure-based activities to teach them academically and socially. He organized and hosted a service-learning trip to Romania where he and his students collaborated with local and international Rotary clubs on collaborative projects. He also organized a service learning trip to New Orleans where he and his students worked in a tent-city soup kitchen post Hurricane Katrina. He regularly supervised overnight wilderness trips each semester. He also started and coaches the school's first basketball team.

As the lead teacher on the Crisis Management Team at the REAL school, and a member of the District's Wellness Committee, Meserve is no stranger to leadership. He regularly developed workshops for other teachers and presents his research and practice at state and local conferences, such as the Maine Alternative Education Conference. Meserve is currently the Head of School for the RSU 14 Katahdin Program.