Name: Charlie Pierce
School: Briar Woods High School
Teaches: Biology
College: Shepherd University
From: Originally from Montross, VA, Westmoreland County in Virginia's Northern Neck.

Is teaching your first profession?
Yes it was. I did get out for a few years in the early 90s and coached college football and worked in the manufacturing business. I then got back into education in 1997 at Loudoun County High. I taught and was head coach at Park View before opening up at Briar Woods in 2005 as head coach and biology teacher.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
My father was an educator/coach/administrator/superintendent ... so I was always around educational things as I was growing up. I have two brothers who are also in education. 

Did you have a mentor or favorite teacher that inspired you?
I would say my father and my high school and college football coaches. 

What do you love most about teaching?
The interaction with the students and players. Being able to teach them life lessons along with the subject area or sport. 

What is your favorite book?
I guess the last books I read would be my favorite. They are The True All Americans, George Patton's 39 Best Quotes and Poems, and Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer. I am currently, when I have some time, reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

[Would you like to participate in Meet Your Teacher, or know a teacher you'd like to see featured? Email the editor at dusty@patch.com.]