Hello, I'm Dr. Richard Shortt. I'm originally from Abingdon Virginia, a small town in the mountains of southwest Virginia. This will be my 13th year teaching in Polk School District, all at Cedartown High. I'm retired from the United States Navy,

I currently teach, Physical Science, Earth Systems, and Environmental Science. I coach cross country and track.

My philosophy is that each child can and will learn if given the right circumstances and environment.  They need to be encouraged, loved, given confidence and corrected when needed. That is what teaching is to me. I strive to do all those things for every child every day.