Henrico's Top Teachers – Dylan Dow, Glen Allen High School, career and technical education
When it came time to consider career paths to pursue, Dylan Dow didn't have to think too hard.
His father, who taught English for decades in Henrico County, provided him with an up-close, child's-eye view of the kind of adult that Dow wanted to be.
"My father was and still is my inspiration and motivation for becoming a teacher," Dow said. "I saw firsthand the impact that he made on the students.
"I wanted to experience that feeling; I wanted to have a positive influence on young people entering the real world."
Judging from the appreciative remarks sprinkled throughout his nominations for Henrico's Top Teachers, it's clear that Dow is motivating and inspiring a new generation of students – just as his father once did.
"He is passionate about his work, and truly cares for the kids," read one nomination. "He provides a safe space for students to learn and grow."
One of the things that Dow does best, noted another nominator, is to "integrate the study with the students" in a way that gets kids excited about learning such subjects as photography and robotics. "His ingenuity and passion for teaching, and exploring new ways to connect material to students' minds, is unmatched."
As for Dow himself, he is enjoying the work and its challenges.
He strives to provide a classroom environment "where students feel comfortable being creative and trying new things," noting that his number-one challenge is encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones, think independently and take creative risks.
"Teaching has given me the opportunity to help kids discover talents and interests they may not have realized they had," Dow said. "Some of the best moments come from watching students take an idea from a simple concept to a finished project they are truly proud of."
Among the biggest rewards of the job, he adds, is hearing from parents who want to buy a camera for a student excited to continue exploring photography on their own.
"To me," Dow said, "that means I’ve helped spark a genuine interest and passion that extends beyond the classroom."
