Dillon Crowder was a well-known teacher and coach at Heritage Middle School, but now has recently made a transition over to the high school where he teaches ninth-grade Government and Psychology.
One of his main motives to start teaching at Heritage High School was to prioritize his relationship with the student athletes he’s coached in cross country and track and field.
“I had already been coaching here, so I wanted to get closer to the athletes, who I’ve been building a close relationship with,” Crowder said.
Adison Steadman, who has been a member of both the track and field and the cross country team, finds Crowder to be a great and passionate coach.
“He works hard to make sure that the team has what it needs and makes sure we also get to do fun things,” Steadman said. “Like when we had a race planned on HOCO night and he still made sure we could go.”
When Crowder worked at the middle school, he was known to be extra enthusiastic and hands-on about what he teaches. Whether that means staying in the class teaching the subject to his students, going outside and reenacting it, or touring the eighth-grade class through Georgia and showing them it in person.
Cody Lee, the assistant principal and close colleague of Crowder, sees how much effort and care he puts into his work with students.
“He has a great work ethic. He volunteers all the time and goes above and beyond, really, to help in ways he wouldn’t normally have to,” Lee said. “I see him after school all the time. He’s probably here as much—or more—than I am,” Lee continued.
Crowder loves the drive and ambition the high school fosters in the students, he believes it inspires them to set high goals for themselves.
“The mixture of freedom and responsibility is incredible. Everyone seems like they’re on a mission to get something done, no matter what they’re focusing on,” Crowder said. “No matter whether they’re focusing on academics, focusing on athletics, focusing on art, clubs, etc.”
Whether you know him as Coach Crowder, who cheers you on as you reach the finish line, or as Mr. Crowder, who can’t wait to share his love for history in the classroom, it’s clear he can’t wait to share his dedication both academically and athletically.
