Meriam Bouchtout also contributed to this article.
When Dr. Charles Daniel Redmond switched to Malden High School as an English teacher he brought a unique energy that could not be matched.
Redmond was born in south Mississippi, but has lived in New England for the past 16 years.
He started off his postsecondary education getting his Undergraduate Degree at Millsaps University in Jackson Mississippi. Soon after he got his Master’s degree in philosophy at Southern Mississippi University. When Redmond was done with his Undergraduate and Master’s degree in 2004, and following his mother’s passing, he left his home state.
Starting off his new path in Vermont, he graduated with a Masters in English at the University of Vermont in Burlington. Then, when he was finished he moved to the Medford-Malden area in 2009 to begin work on his PHD at Tufts University in English. After finishing his education he finally became a teacher. Now, Redmond teaches a variety of different English Language Arts classes at MHS.
This is not Redmond’s first experience teaching however. Redmond claimed he really enjoys working with the students at MHS, due to the “diversity,” that he sees not only in his classroom but all throughout the building.
As a teenager he also attended public school and hence why he was more interested in working in a public school. Redmond expressed how he wanted to show the public school students that a high education is available to anyone. Redmond did not resonate with his experience at a different school that he taught at which was a private school, as he felt as though he did not relate to the students as well as he did to the students at MHS.
Redmond appreciates the fact that working in a public school allows him to see more diversity, “Malden is the most diverse school district in Massachusetts, and that level of diversity excites me.”
Redmond also feels that along with the switch from College to the High School level, came a lot of challenges, that he hopes to attend to soon, as he gets a proper footing at MHS.
MHS principal Chris Mastrangelo and English teacher Jennifer Clapp said that they can tell that Redmond actually loves doing what he does, and enjoys helping students grow.
Even as a teenager Redmond always strived to acquire a high education. “I love studying literature and talking about books, and even when I was in high school, as early as age 15 I said I wanted to get my PHD in English.”
When choosing Redmond for the job Mastrangelo noted that it was clear that “he knew all his stuff.”
Mastrangelo said that “he had really great energy,” and that “he brings an amazing light into the building.”
Students Camila Haro and Jana Wanas mentioned how they feel about Redmond’s classes, the common answer was “he’s really funny and he makes class entertaining.” That’s the goal Redmond was looking for.
Redmond describes himself as a funny, witty and sarcastic person. He has a cat named Sir Peaches and Cream and they enjoy spending time together. Redmond is also a member of The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. The group currently has over 300 members and has been directed by Conductor Reuben Reynolds for over 20 years. The group is heard by over 10,000 audience members per season and has performed across the globe.
As the school year comes into full swing Redmond is ready to take on new challenges, as he adjusts to this new environment.
