Teaching with Heart, Humor, and History

In Mr. William Dever’s virtual classroom, learning is about connection, curiosity, and the occasional corny joke.

A natural educator with a passion for storytelling, Mr. Dever brings history to life and makes every student feel important.

This year, he’s being celebrated as Uplift’s Secondary Educator of the Year.

 

From Construction Sites to the Classroom

Teaching wasn’t Mr. Dever’s first career, but it quickly became his calling.

While working in construction and coaching Little League, he kept hearing the same thing from parents: “Are you a teacher?”

That seed of an idea eventually bloomed into a return to college at age 30 and a wholehearted pursuit of the classroom. He became even more inspired by great professors and discovered his passion. “All I wanted after that was to join their ranks.”

Now, he’s inspiring a new generation—one “aha” moment at a time.

 

Where Energy Meets Engagement

For Mr. Dever, a “great day” at Uplift is defined by student engagement.

“It happens when we have that invigorating live lesson where the students are engaged and thinking, and we are just filling the space with positive energy,” he shared.

Those moments of breakthrough—when a student exclaims, “Holy cow, now I get it!”—are what keep him going.

Building Connection Beyond the Screen

One of Mr. Dever’s superpowers is building genuine connections with students, even in a virtual setting. His approach? Vulnerability, consistency, and lots of thoughtful notes.

“The kids see me fumbling sometimes… I share my stories with them and always keep that humility in conjunction with authority,” he explained.

He also keeps a notepad nearby to jot down personal details from students—whether it’s a cat’s name or a family trip—so he can reflect those moments back with care and presence.

“They need to see that the computer is just the medium,” he says. “I’m there with them in their lives.”

Lessons from the Learners

Mr. Dever is quick to point out that learning isn’t a one-way street.

“I have heard students this year take over on the ‘mic’ and lay in with facts about certain battles or people in history. I have seen intellectual political debates that are civil!”

He’s watched students transform over the school year—from struggling to thriving—and says their drive to push forward continues to amaze him.

“We have a range of abilities and situations that apply to our students, but they all came here for one reason: this setting was needed. What I have learned is that these kids are resilient,” he says.

To help students feel seen—especially those who are struggling—Mr. Dever focuses on listening, celebrating wins, and delivering honest, constructive feedback.

“If you correct them with the Oreo Method, they know that you are paying attention,” he said. “We too often shy away from criticism, but that is a form of attention—and care!”

Why Uplift Feels Different

“There’s a top-down effort to teach students,” he explains. “I can honestly say that the focus on pedagogy and rigor—and compassion—trumps other schools that I have worked at.”

Mr. Dever appreciates working in a space where academic focus and humanity go hand in hand—and where leadership truly understands what great education looks like.

“This school teaches,” he says simply. “I came here to put the emphasis back on teaching, and that is reinforced here.”

 

Words of Wisdom for New Teachers

For educators new to online learning, Mr. Dever offers practical advice: be ready for behind-the-scenes work, focus on trust-building, and always double-check your “product.”

“Make sure that what you are pushing out as a teacher is a good ‘product’ on the other side,” he says. “Did the video work? Is the lesson deep enough? Is it differentiated?”

An engaged classroom, he believes, is driven by a quality learning experience.

 

A Life Lived Globally

If his students had to sum Mr. Dever up in three words? “Funny, smart, structured.”

Outside the classroom, he’s a world traveler, culture enthusiast, and self-proclaimed food lover. He’s explored the world from Rome to Lisbon, often bringing those experiences back to his students.

“When I teach the Renaissance, I can say I’ve stood in the Doge’s Palace. When I teach Gettysburg, I’ve walked the battlefield. It makes the lessons real.”

The two simple mottos that drive his work are clear:

“Start with the end in mind.”
“Be positive.”

 

Congratulations, Mr. Dever. Your passion, humor, and commitment bring history to life—and leave a lasting mark on every student lucky enough to be in your class.