Whitman science teachers Peyton Ford and Kelly Garton both announced their retirement this year after teaching for more than a decade.

Ford began teaching in 1998 after earning a degree in chemistry from American University. He first taught eighth grade at Hardy Middle School in Washington, D.C., before deciding to transition to teaching high school. In 2012, Ford started at Whitman, where he has taught chemistry and other science classes, including Honors Biology and Environmental Chemistry, since then. 

Ford said that it was not just what students learned that mattered to him, but how they grew and developed over time. 

“I like to watch kids become more than they were when they started out in my class, and that process is evident as you observe and interact with them,” Ford said. “I’m the kind of teacher who likes to talk in and out of the classroom with people. The whole process of seeing growth has been really enjoyable and rewarding for me.” 

Ford said his teaching style emphasizes connection. Whether it’s conversing before class, checking in during lunch or creating a space where students feel comfortable, Ford said he makes an effort to know his students beyond their academic performance — their enjoyment of class matters more to him than grades. 

Ford said he most enjoys doing labs with his class because it’s more fun and engaging than standard lessons. After 14 years at Whitman, Ford said his favorite memory was winning a pull-up competition against his students. 

Whitman junior Zachary Parker said that he and other students have a great deal of respect for Mr. Ford. 

“Mr. Ford is a hilarious individual,” Parker said. “I come into his room during lunch almost every day, and I think I laugh for most of the time.”

Garton also said he believed in the importance of an open classroom where students feel understood. His own high school biology and genetics teacher inspired him to pursue genetic counseling as a career, but in college, he realized that becoming a teacher would be a better fit for him. He has taught for 35 years in total, 27 of those at Whitman.

“I’m proud that I have inspired so many students to care for the environment and to have a better understanding of biology,” Garton said. “I will miss the discovery of learning and the wit, intelligence and silliness of my students.”

Garton currently teaches AP Biology and remains interested in genetic studies. He said that for him, gene regulation is the most fascinating topic to teach because most students don’t realize that genes can be turned on and off, and the lesson is always enlightening for students.

Biology teacher Sherri Gingrich, who works in the science department alongside Garton, said he has had a great impact on the community.

“He is going to be very missed,” Gingrich said. “We have worked together for many years, and he has been a great colleague and friend.”

Both Ford and Garton said they hope to travel more during retirement. Ford said he plans to focus more on his family and pick up a construction hobby, such as woodworking or building furniture, while Garton said he wants to sail more, become fluent in Spanish and play the drums.

Garton said the most important skill for any job is the ability to write well, and he hopes his students will take that guidance with them in the future. Ford added that literacy skills are vital for students’ futures. 

“If you don’t read something every day, you’re not reaching your potential,” Ford said. “Reading frees you from banal thoughts and helps you grow intellectually. Without reading, you’re just being fed information by the media and the powers that be.”