Joshua Chard is a second and third grade looping teacher at East End Community School and the drama director at Deering High School, both in Portland, Maine. His approach to designing and implementing curriculum for young learners always starts through a culturally responsive lens. Joyful relationships are at the heart of everything Chard does in his classroom and he is inspired every day by the honor of lifting up and celebrating his diverse learners.

Chard holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a concentration in theater from the University of Southern Maine, a Master of Science in education with a K-6 literacy focus from the University of New England, and a certificate in K-6 standards-based mathematics from the American College of Education. He is also certified as a K-12 teacher of English to speakers of other languages.

Chard is proud to teach in two of the most culturally diverse schools north of Boston. During his 31-year career, he has been an educational technician, a fourth and fifth grade teacher and an instructional coach with a focus on mathematics. He has passionately dedicated his entire career to working in high-needs, urban schools and is excited to have a platform to share the amazing work that is happening there.

Outside of school, Chard can be found participating in local theater as an actor and director and exploring Maine’s beaches and lighthouses with his husband and their grandsons.