Teacher Talk: Derek Bates

by Natalie Kirton

‘Fun’ and ‘easy to talk to’ are some of the most used phrases students use when describing English teacher Derek Bates. Bates began his career at Montezuma as a long-term substitute in the spring of 2009 for Mrs. Weber, who was on maternity leave. He then came back later that year as a full-time faculty member. 

Bates has always made it a point to involve himself in the school and the community. During high school he participated in Speech & Drama, Yearbook, FFA, Student Body Council and National Honor Society, among other things. While attending Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, Bates was a leader in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, sang in the Young , Gifted and Black Gospel Choir and was in various campus political groups. 

Bates was happy to come back to Montezuma as a teacher, something he had wanted to do since his first day of pre-school. 

“It is extremely humbling to teach in the same halls my grandparents and parents walked,” says Bates. 

His favorite thing about being a part of the Montezuma community is that he is able to invest in the place that invested so much in him. 

When not teaching English, Bates stays busy by coaching Speech & Drama, leading worship at Community Hope church, brewing and taste-testing coffee at Simone’s Cuppa; the local coffee shop he and his wife own. 

When there is a chance to read, his go-to book is The Shack by William Young. 

“I’m a sucker for cheesy emotional movies and sing song lyrics as responses any chance I get,” says Bates.

As for the future, he is looking forward to whatever God has in store for him, whether that be traveling, teaching, or starting a family. Until then, students at Montezuma are glad to have him.