By Hasti Khada
Originally, Dr. Redmond did not intend to pursue teaching. He attended Canisius University for his undergraduate studies and later continued at University at Buffalo for graduate school. While studying at UB, one of his advisors pointed out his positive attitude and ability to connect with others, encouraging him to consider teaching as a career. After spending time substitute teaching, he realized how much he enjoyed working with students and building relationships with them.
Before arriving at Williamsville East High School, Dr. Redmond taught for two years at Casey Middle School. Although he enjoyed teaching middle school students, he eventually discovered that high school was a better fit for him. He also spent time teaching at UB, but he explained that college lecture halls felt too large and impersonal. At East, he found something he valued much more: meaningful personal connections with students. He loved the idea of students inviting him to games and school activities and becoming part of their lives beyond academics.
Throughout his nearly twenty years at East, Dr. Redmond has developed courses that reflect his passion for helping students think more deeply about the world around them. His favorite class to teach is Critical Thinking, a course he personally created because he believes critical thinking is a skill students will use for the rest of their lives. He enjoys seeing students apply those ideas to real-world situations and everyday decision-making. In addition, he created the Human Rights and Genocide course to educate younger generations about why atrocities happen and how society can work to prevent them in the future.
Teaching those difficult subjects became even more personal after Dr. Redmond became a father. He shared that discussions about genocide, war, and violence affect him differently now because he immediately thinks about children and families impacted by those tragedies. Family is clearly one of the most important parts of his life. He warmly spoke about reconnecting with his wife years after already knowing each other. The two often crossed paths at Shea’s Performing Arts Center because both of their families had season passes to musicals there. Eventually, he reached out to her through email, and their relationship grew from there.
Today, Dr. Redmond and his wife have two children, Lincoln and Grant. Both boys share some of their father’s interests, especially drumming and music. Dr. Redmond has been passionate about drumming since high school, when he first started playing in a band, and he still enjoys practicing and creating new material with friends during Buffalo summers.
Outside of music, he also enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
When asked if he would ever consider becoming president, Dr. Redmond laughed at the idea. While he admitted it could be interesting, he quickly pointed out the enormous pressure that would come with such a role. Still, the question reflects how strongly his students connect him with leadership, government, and making a positive impact on society.
At the center of Dr. Redmond’s teaching philosophy is his desire to help students become thoughtful people who can improve both their own lives and the world around them. He hopes students leave his classroom not only with knowledge about history or government, but also with the ability to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and understand different perspectives.
In Dr. Redmond’s words, he wants students to “make the world a better place and make their lives the best they can be.” After nearly two decades at East, it is clear that his passion, dedication, and ability to connect with students have already made a lasting difference.