A fun, upbeat, and spirited historian has come to join the Poly community—David Reid. A native Canadian from Orillia, Ontario, Reid received a B.A. from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and later moved to the United States to get a Ph.D. in History at Rutgers University. Interestingly enough, his specialty is Mexican history, so you could say he’s “a rare NAFTA success story: a Canadian who moved to the United States to study Mexico.”

As a student, learning came fairly easily to him, but aside from being on the swim and cross country ski teams, he was never really excited by high school classes. In fact, all he remembers from his 11th grade World History class is watching the movie Gladiator twice. Since he loved history, he thought it deserved more attention and respect than what his high school teachers gave it.

It wasn’t until university that he realized for the first time that learning is actually one of life’s greatest privileges.

He hopes to pass this message along to his students. “Or at the very least,” he hopes to “not bore them to death every day.” He seems to be doing well, as Sophomore Jason Moore says. “Dr. Reid is a well versed professor of history and a cool guy,” Moore said. 

Reid loves to teach because he loves to learn. When asked about why he teaches history, Reid said that it “is how we orient ourselves in time and space, how we define our identities. The questions we ask about the past—and the answers we give—tell us who we really are. I find it endlessly fascinating.”

Aside from his love for history, Reid is a master chef in his own kitchen. He also loves to read and explore nature whenever possible. In recent years, he’s also become obsessed with Hawaiian wa’a (canoe) racing, and paddling in the Hudson a few times a week.

History teacher Whitney Davidson said “Dr. Reid has quickly proven himself to be an exemplary member of the History Department in all regards. He has been a delightful addition to our office both for his collegial manner and his eagerness to collaborate. Not only do students enjoy his classes, but he has outclassed all of us with his collection of snappy socks.”

“I came to Poly because of how impressive the students are and how dedicated the teachers are,” Reid said. “I taught undergraduate classes for a couple years while finishing my PhD, and while I enjoyed it, I wanted to be in a place where the students were respected as whole people and given opportunities to pursue their passions; where the teachers were committed to their students, not just their research—where learning and community matter.”

Reid said that so far Poly has exceeded his “already high” expectations in his 9th and 10th grade history classes and as a community.

“This is a special place, with special people,” he said. “Poly students are hard-working, engaged, intelligent, and just all-round interesting people. My colleagues are inspiring, too. We may pile on the homework, but these folks are totally dedicated to their students and their craft.”

Sophomore Julianna Kelly said, “Dr. Reid is a very kind, patient, and funny addition to the Poly community.”

Poly is grateful to have Reid in our community as both a history teacher and adviser.

Hoping to be the best teacher and Poly community member he can be, Reid assured his students that unlike his high school history class, if you watch Gladiator in his class, it will only be once.

“So pay attention,” he said.