Written By: Georgina Murphy

Due to Upper School Humanities Teacher Ms. Steele’s leave of absence, Mr. Wieman, who has a storied background at RCDS, has stepped in for her and is teaching her tenth and eleventh grade AP United States History classes.

Wieman first started working at RCDS in 1984, teaching ninth grade World History and  United States History. Throughout his 38 years of teaching at RCDS, Wieman was the head of multiple different school committees, ran a program called Intercession—a two week volunteer program before spring break for 10th and 11th graders—and most notably, he was the Upper School Principal for 19 years.  Wieman says that during his time as principal, he loved the fact that his position allowed him to support the faculty and teachers. In 2018, Wieman decided to step down as principal so he could return to teaching. His decision was impacted by his observations of numerous teachers and different teaching styles during his time as principal; those observations inspired him to get back into the classroom. Wieman taught history again until 2022, when he retired.

Wieman says that he began to appreciate history in high school, and this early interest turned into a passion for teaching.  He especially likes that in history, there is no one set answer to any historical question, but rather there are more nuanced connections and a variety of perspectives between people or events.  Wieman continued his passion for history throughout college at Princeton University where he concentrated in European History. He then attended graduate school at Columbia University, where he received a Masters in American history.

When asked about his experience returning to RCDS and teaching AP United States History, Wieman says, “It’s been fun to come back and re-experience the classroom. Of all the work I’ve done here, the classroom is what I miss the most.”  Furthermore, Wieman explains that he loves creating a positive environment for his students and forming connections with them; he notes that if a teacher makes students the most important part of the classroom, they will be engaged.

Upon Steele’s return, Wieman says that he will return to retirement, and he is looking forward to going on a variety of different trips and adventures with his family. While Wieman will soon leave RCDS again, his enthusiasm for teaching has left a lasting mark on the Upper School this year.