Where are you currently teaching and what’s on your schedule?
I’m a History teacher at Warren Central High School. I teach World and US History, and also coach football and wrestling at Warren.
How long have you been teaching?
2 Years
What inspired you to go into teaching? Was there a specific moment or experience that solidified your decision to become an educator? Were there significant teachers or mentors that shaped your experience? How did they impact you?
I wanted to become a teacher for several reasons. Firstly, Coach Mawhorter, who not only served as my U.S. History teacher but also as the head football coach, had a profound impact on my life. His unwavering positivity and boundless energy were inspiring. I cherished every moment in his class, and his enthusiasm for teaching and learning created a passion for education within me. I remember a piece of advice he shared: “You can learn from every situation. You can learn what to do and what not to do depending on the positive or negative situation.” Those words resonated with me deeply, and because I held Coach Mawhorter in such high regard, and saw him as such a positive person, I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Secondly, I desire to be a positive role model and influence, just as Coach Mawhorter was for me. I believe teachers possess a power to inspire young minds and instill invaluable life lessons. My goal as a teacher is to guide and inspire my students, assisting them in realizing their full potential. You Only Live Once right? So why not try to make it the best life possible. A message I tell my students each morning is “today is a great day,” because a positive mindset leads to great days, great days lead to a great life. So start that journey of a great life by being positive and saying something nice.
Lastly, my family’s background in factory work exposed me to the physically demanding and often undervalued nature of such employment. Observing how my family struggled during harder times and were seen as replaceable in their workplaces lit a fire within me to seek a career where I could be of great value and serve others passionately. Teaching provides the opportunity to offer students the support and encouragement they need to succeed and feel truly valued. This makes teaching a fulfilling career choice for me. Additionally, my mother’s unwavering passion for helping others has been a significant influence on my choice. Witnessing the positive impact she had on those around her reinforced my desire to have a similar impact, and teaching allows me to touch the lives of 170 students each day, further cementing my conviction in this career path.
How do you spend your summers?
During the summer, I balance my time between teaching summer school, coaching football, and working at off-season wrestling tournaments. As a football coach, I’m dedicated to mentoring young athletes and instilling valuable life lessons through the sport. Later in the season, I embark on adventures, exploring the beauty of national parks like the Rocky Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, and the Grand Tetons. My passion for history leads me to places of historical relevance where I can connect with the material I teach in the classroom. These experiences not only enrich my personal growth but also enhance my teaching when I return to the classroom.
What is your favorite thing about your job? Is there anything you gain from being a teacher that other careers don’t offer?
As a teacher, my favorite aspect of the profession is the opportunity to engage in the process of learning and interacting with my students. The classroom is a dynamic environment where knowledge is shared, curiosity is nurtured, and growth is fostered. Witnessing the moment when a student’s face lights up with understanding or excitement about a subject is incredibly rewarding. Interacting with my students allows me to build connections, understand their unique perspectives, and support their individual journeys towards academic and personal success. It’s in these moments of connection and enlightenment that my passion for teaching truly comes alive, and I am reminded of the profound impact education can have on shaping young minds and empowering them for the future.
What would you tell a student who’s interested in teaching?
Keep your love for learning, adapt to student needs, and prioritize showing them love and support to create an inclusive and positive learning environment.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of teachers?
I hope to inspire the next generation of teachers by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, both in their subject matter and their students. The core message is to be kind and compassionate, fostering positive and inclusive learning environments, and avoiding negativity or unkindness in their interactions with students.