Warren believes that collaboration is the key in every project. He also believes that the most productive relationship between teachers and students is mutual respect and shared responsibility in creating a positive school community. All parties have a vested interest and benefit from a happy and purposeful school environment. Mr. Phillips says that Service Learning is a combination of academic learning, service within the community, and civic engagement. The community needs are not more important than students needs, and vice versa. The relationship, therefore, is reciprocal. His students have found that doing service-learning has encouraged them to get involved with the community, make connections with the work force, learn how to work as a team, learn what it means to be a community member, and gain many other life-long skills. They become aware of their strengths and the strengths of others.
Warren G. Phillips
Plymouth, MA | Years Taught: 1976 – 2016
Additional Recognition
- 2015-Present Outreach coordinator at Pegasus Springs Education Collective
- 2013 President’s award for Outstanding leadership in education Bridgewater State University
- 2010 PBS Teachers innovation award
- 2008 Earthwatch fellowship studying African Elephants
- 2008 Presidential Volunteer Service Award
- 2001, 2002, 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Math and Science (Massachusetts finalist)
- 2007 • Massachusetts Science Educator’s Hall of Fame
- 2006 • Plymouth County Science Teacher of the Year
- 2006 • USA Today Newspaper, Team Teacher
- 2004 • Disney Middle School Teacher of the Year
- 2002 • Time/Chevrolet National Excellence Award “Teacher of the Year”
- 1998 • Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching
“Both my parents and I loved having you for a teacher this year. You challenged me past my limits, giving me a class to look forward to because of the difficulty. You inspired me not only to be a better student, but a better person, which is our real goal. You did not force us to participate in recycling and other community projects, but you gave us the motivation to do these things. I truly feel better as a person after your class because of the selflessness of it all. Your class was far from any class I have ever participated in because you not only taught us real life skills, but you gave us real life experiences in these skills. I can’t put into words how much of an impact you have made on my life, but I think you will know when you see how far I go. You have paved the path to my success, and all I have to do is stay on it.”
– Greg Costello (student)
“Warren Phillips is a highly gifted, talented, and brilliant person. He is that rare individual who not only possesses great talents, but who has the extraordinary ability to share his gifts to all that have the honor of knowing him, whether it be students, fellow teachers, administrators, parents, or the entire community. Warren’s character traits of enthusiasm, creativity, intelligence, commitment, and a genuine concern for others are evident in all endeavors that he pursues in life. Warren inspires and motivates his students and fellow teachers to strive for excellence. His classes are dynamic, challenging, and fun because he teaches each lesson as if it is the most important class he’s ever taught! The students feel this academic excellence the moment they enter his classroom and truly rise to the high expectations that Warren has for each and every one of them. Warren makes every day of his life an invaluable “teaching moment” for all who know him. His personality and behavior demonstrate the very best qualities of a human being.”
– Karen Rymsha (colleague)