Galen Conkright
Fifth & Sixth Grade Special Education Resource Teacher
Email: conkrightg@griggsvilleperry.org
Galen Conkright is a 5th and 6th grade Special Education Resource Teacher at the Griggsville Perry Middle School. This is his first year in the GP district. Prior to this year he taught K-2 resource in the Camp Point District for ten years. In addition to his special education teaching experience he has been a color guard instructor and clinician for over 30 years working with area schools of all sizes. Mr. Conkright also worked with the Quincy University Music program for ten years providing instruction for the marching band’s color guard.
Prior to teaching, Mr. Conkright worked for a community service organization that partnered with community groups and schools to provided programs for at-risk youth. He worked in a 13 county area covering West Central Illinois. He was recognized by the Quincy Herald Whig for his efforts in developing community-based after school programs that partnered with local schools. He also assisted in writing community-based grants to assist with youth programs including summer food, counseling, academic support, and family enhancement. During his 15 year tenure as an organizer, he helped raise over four million dollars for the programs.
Mr. Conkright graduated from Hannibal La Grange University with a Master’s Degree in literacy. Mr. Conkright has participated in many professional develop hours in the area of literacy which include reading diagnosis and correction, writing success, reading interventions, and Orton-Gillingham instruction.
Mr. Conkright attended the Griggsville district through third grade. In kindergarten he was the homecoming crown bearer. His wife, Cindy, has taught in the GP district for eight years. They currently lives in Barry have three grown sons and four grandchildren. Pike County is their home.
Mr. Conkright encourages students to be problem solvers. In his classroom they spend much time devoted to real life situations and applying their academics to those situations. He also spends much time helping his students develop their self-esteem, confidence, and drive for success. His philosophy comes from an encounter he once had with NFL pro-football player Walter Payton. Mr. Payton once approached him and said, “Get out of the way kid.” Mr. Conkright works hard to create an environment where kids feel included and never feel like they are in the way.
