John Carey

Email: jcarey@fcts.us
Phone: (413) 863-9561 x114

After working a wide variety of jobs, including as an ecotourism guide/translator in Bolivia, bike messenger in Washington, DC, womens' rowing coach at Amherst College, and co-founder of Bueno Y Sano restaurant, John Carey found his calling as an educator during a stint as a substitute English teacher in Springfield.

“I taught at Putnam Vocational High School, filling in for a long term sub,” he said. “A friend at the school twisted my arm a bit. That’s where I got bit by the bug to teach high school students. It felt like I was effective, despite having no idea what I was doing, and received positive feedback from the principal and the students. And success of any kind is always motivating. Every day was certainly different.”

In 2001, John earned his master’s degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While a graduate student, John tutored at UMass through the Office of Learning Disabilities and Support Services.  John has served in a variety of instructional and administrative roles at "the Tech." Currently he is beginning his 6th year in the role as Assistant Principal. 

“I learned through tutoring at the Center (at UMass) that learning disabilities persist after high school, and that effort is the key to achievement, but isn’t always the answer unless you have supports,” he said. 

To John, every school year at Franklin County Technical School brings new discoveries and new challenges. He’s happy to make that journey with students, staff and administrators who are so dedicated to the school’s mission. "Our teaching faculty is top-notch and represent a whole world of knowledge."

And the COVID-19 environment is not one to deter this educator in his 20th year as a high school educator. "Who we are, along with the mission that drives us, is what gives me a great deal of optimism as we start our year."

“I like renewal, the way the annual cycle works,” John continues. “The first day of school all of the teachers are healthy and eager, and they understand that the fall always brings the opportunity for the students to come back with a real sense of renewal and potential for growth....now, more than ever.”

In his spare time, John spends time with his wife and four sons as well as travelling and rowing the boat he built himself.