Liz and I were both deeply saddened to learn this weekend of the passing of Paul Copley, a former teacher to us both, friend and colleague.
Paul taught my second year honors history class at Sunset High School. When he retired from Sunset he went to join the faculty at the Graduate School of Education at Lewis and Clark College, where he had often taught cources. Liz took an economics cource from him when she was earning her MAT and taught with him for a period in the Beaverton School District.
His death over the weekend was unexpected. He'll be remembered as a fine teacher who encouraged students to think critically. The website at Lewis and Clark offers this bio of his work:
Paul Copley has been an instructor at Lewis & Clark's Graduate School of Education and Counseling since 1995. An adjunct until 2003, he joined the full faculty after completing a high school social studies teaching career.
After completing an undergraduate degree in history at Lewis & Clark, Paul began teaching in Compton, California in 1968. He earned his M.A. in history in 1971 and returned to Oregon, where he subsequently taught for 32 years at Sunset High School. For 20 of those years, he also served as department chair of social studies. Paul was an adjunct professor in history at Portland State University from 1991 to 2003 and served as a consultant in economics to the College Board between1988 and 2003.
His major academic interests are in political economy and 20th-century history. Paul teaches elective courses in both content areas, and serves as a cohort coordinator, specialist, and advisor in teaching social studies with a particular emphasis on constructivist curriculum design and instruction. His research has supported political activism directed toward high-quality social studies teaching in Oregon, and writing content text for teachers in both American history and economics.
A memorial service has been set for Sunday, July 17th at 4pm at Beaverton's Foursquare Church.
We were glad to have last seen Paul briefly over Christmas. My prayers are with his family.
A memorial page on Facebook has been established for friends and former students.