New teacher, Leland Fulton, likes to surf as often as he can. He taught himself by finding the oldest man or woman in the surfline, paddling out on his board and sitting next to them. They soon became fast friends.
“And then you’re going to learn all you need to know,” said Mr. Fulton, describing the important knowledge shared with him by the surf veterans.
Mr. Fulton, one of the newest additions to the OVS community, teaches Biology, AP Biology and is the new Dean of Residential Life. In class, he shares his knowledge and passion with students beginning their own journey of interacting with the natural world.
Mr. Fulton’s relationship with nature began as a young boy growing up in Kings Valley, Oregon. He would spend his days exploring the creeks and forests around his house.
To be expected of a kid who craved adventures and the outdoors, his dream career was to become a photojournalist for National Geographic. Unfortunately, he quickly learned that the talents and skills required for the profession weren’t his forte.
“I realized in high school I was more of a science guy than a writer,” said Mr. Fulton. “And I certainly wasn’t a photographer.”
His passion for nature remained strong as he proceeded to attend and graduate from Southern Oregon University with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Outdoor Leadership.
After college, Mr. Fulton worked as a science educator for young kids on a farm in southern Oregon. This job served as a catalyst for his teaching career.
Mr. Fulton said that because of this job, “I realized that I wanted to keep working with young people.”
The self-discovery led him to acquire his teaching degree, and shortly after, he was teaching Environmental Science at an American school in Nicaragua.
After teaching internationally, Mr. Fulton worked at various other schools on the West Coast, including Besant Hill, for four years, before he found himself teaching at the Ojai Valley School.
Just as the surfers had done with him, at OVS, Mr. Fulton shares his expertise and enthusiasm with the newer generations. This can clearly be observed in the classroom.
One of Mr. Fulton’s AP Biology Students, OVS study body president Ben Manning, says he has quickly come to understand that Mr. Fulton is an intelligent and devoted teacher.
“He focuses on what his passions are, ecology and macro-biology,” Ben said. “So we are learning from someone who’s really passionate, making the learning experience a lot better.”
Nature continues to be just as prominent in Mr. Fulton’s personal life as in his career.
Outside the classroom and in his free time, one of his favorite things to do is Alpine rock climbing. Every Year Mr. Fulton puts in effort to go to the Eastern Sierras to climb and completed multiple river trips this past summer.
The mutually beneficial relationship between Mr. Fulton and nature has continued to evolve and grow throughout his life. Nature and the outdoors are something that brings Mr. Fulton love and joy, and in return, he teaches young adults the complexity and awe that is nature, helping to create a deeper appreciation and understanding.
“Just figure out what lights you up,” said Mr. Fulton.