After 22 years of dedicated teaching at Polytechnic School, Upper School Chair of the Computer Science Department and Science Teacher Richard White will retire this year.
White joined Poly in 2004 after teaching computer science and physics at public schools. During his time here, he co-founded the Conceptual Physics program in 2004, a way to make Physics more accessible and engaging for students by using an algorithm of “concept before calculations,” chaperoned Outdoor Ed trips, and built the Computer Science department, developing and designing the curriculum as well as teaching introductory, AP, and post-AP computer science classes.
Students note his ubiquitous presence and support on campus. He created his own website, crashwhite.com, in 2001 to engage with his students and provide materials for his courses. Beyond his formal roles, White is known for fostering curiosity and independence.
“He’s an amazing educator, not only inside the classroom but beyond it as well. He encourages students to pursue passion projects and consistently advocates for them to continue exploring careers in computer science,” shared junior Shayla Starr.
“He always came to class with a smile. I don’t think I’ve actually ever seen him not look happy while teaching. He made the environment feel comfortable and encouraging, which made it easier to stay engaged and ask questions, ” explained junior Emilio Doust.
White hopes that his students listen to a particular quote from former First Lady Abigail Adams: “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”
“I think it’s important for us to keep in mind the fact that, even with all the privileges that we have here, even with all the wonderful support we have, you still have to work hard. It’s really important,” explained White.
White points to the relationships he built with colleagues as some of the most meaningful parts of his time at Poly. He fondly recalls regular breakfasts with Upper School Science teacher Craig Fletcher and Upper School Mathematics teacher Jack Prater, along with camping and climbing trips to Joshua Tree through the Outdoor Education program.
“Richard is an expert in the field who kids both liked and respected. As a colleague and a friend, there is no one better,” shared Chris Schmoke, a former Poly administrator.
“What I admire most about Mr. White is his sense of purpose, his commitment to push kids to do and be their best. It informs everything he does, and since I wanted to do the same, he always made me feel I had a partner in teaching,” reflected Upper School Latin teacher Kathleen Schuhl.
In retirement, White plans to split his time between Pasadena and the Bay Area. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, he leaves a lasting legacy at Poly.
“I’m so incredibly lucky to have taken AP Computer Science A with Mr. White this past year,” shared junior Kaitlyn Chiao. “I’m so sad to see him leave, but I know he’ll bring his kindness and positive energy wherever he goes. Thank you, Mr. White, for everything!”
“It’s been great working with everybody here. It’s an amazing community, and I feel very grateful to have been a part of it,” reflected White.
