Teacher Tom Walker sawed and conquered

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Mira Costa teacher Tom Walker will retire this year after building an 18-year legacy as Costa’s primary woodshop teacher.

Walker began working at Mira Costa in 1998 after spending two years working at Palos Verdes Intermediate School as a woodshop and physical education  teacher. Prior to this, Walker spent 25 years working in the cabinet business.

“It is inspiring that the staff does everything they can to create an amazing learning environment,” Walker said.

Walker heard about the job opening at Costa from the former Palos Verdes Intermediate School principal, who had just transferred to Mira Costa to teach classes.

“I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to work at such a great school,” Walker said. “The kids here are truly the best students that I have ever worked with or seen.”

Walker’s favorite part about Costa is the students, staff and teaching. He especially values being able to is able to work with students and doing carpentry at the same time, he said.

“One of the reasons that Costa kids stand out is because they’re more engaged in their courses, and that is a major tribute to their teachers,” Walker said.

Walker has decided to retire because he feels he has spent enough time teaching, he said. According to Walker, he will miss the faculty, facilities and everyone that he works with and teaches the most. The things that Walker will miss most tend to revolve around communicating with his co-workers and students that he has built relationships with over the several years at Costa.

“I’m very thankful to have been able to work with such an amazing school,” Walker said. “I feel that the students here are all very driven, and I hope that they stay that way after I am gone. I hope that the students continue to work on woodshop and stay the good kids they are.”