Richard DeCarr (2021)

2021 Robert Ludwig Teacher of the Year

Rick DeCarr is a 6th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Oneida Middle School in the Schenectady City School District. Mr. DeCarr is in his 14th year in the district and a member of various committees such as the Anti-Racist Building Leadership Team and district wide Ed Tech Committee. DeCarr has worked to use literature to engage students in deep conversations about issues that surround them in school and their community. He has also spent time co-developing a writing curriculum where students are the center of the decision-making process, supporting them to find their voices as writers. Rick, a Google Certified Trainer, has presented at the district, regional, state, and national level to help educators build capacity to amplify student voice and choice inside the classroom using digital portfolios and other digital engagement tools.

Using BreakoutEDU, Sphero robotics, Lego and other resources, Rick has pushed to improve student collaboration and communication using problem solving activities. The Schenectady Education Foundation has helped Rick to provide these opportunities to his students through grants.

Mr. DeCarr is also a passionate runner. His love of the sport led him to become the assistant varsity and head modified coach of Schenectady Cross Country. He also recently co-found Schenectady’s newest running club, Electric City Runners, which is dedicated to educating Schenectady’s youth in fitness, cross country, and track and field. Rick lives in Colonie with his wife, Lauren, and three daughters, Tierney, Raegan, and Hannah.