Don O’Brien and John Neumann
Don O’Brien (left) and John Neumann are friends who each have a connection to Washougal High School. O’Brien has been a shop teacher there for many years. Teaching chemistry at WHS was Neumann’s first job after college in the late 1960’s. When they met to record East County Voices in March 2024, Neumann described his childhood in Eastern Washington, the construction of the Colville Dam, and the encouragement he was given by a generation of World War II veterans. They also talked about their careers as teachers and school administrators. In this segment, they discuss O’Brien’s teaching style and the importance of confronting students without conflict.
This conversation was recorded on March 23, 2024, at the Camas Public Library.
Click here to listen to an excerpt: