Arte Fairbanks

Education

Arte J. Fairbanks served from 1950 to 1983 as a Manteca High physical education teacher, coach, history and science teacher, counselor, as well as athletic director.

Known affectionately as "coach" by former players and students alike, Fairbanks is credited by thousands of Manteca High graduates as the ideal mentor of youth whose gruff exterior couldn't hide his genuine concern for students.

Two generations of Manteca's leaders and success stories - from businessmen and family men to former Manteca High football player Paul Wiggin who made it to the NFL as a player and coach - credit Fairbanks with providing a perfect role model for character, integrity, and commitment.

The World War II combat veteran has received seven teaching awards including the California Teachers Association's prestigious John R. Williams Teacher of the Year Award in 1983. He is also an inductee In the Green Mountain College Hall of Fame's 1996 class.