This I Believe

            I believe that teachers should always strive to create new and imaginative ways to relate to and engage students. If a teacher is constantly changing up their game in fun and inventive new ways, their students will be more willing to learn, and will enjoy doing it. This is the kind of teacher I want to be. My reasoning behind this is largely due to the teaching methods of my high school educators. The drive for connection and innovation of three teachers in particular, is what drives me to be a better teacher myself.

            The first of these teachers was Ms. Coley, my Algebra II/ Trigonometry teacher sophomore year. Her classroom was the first time I ever experienced new classroom innovations; namely the Smartboard.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ms. Coley use a chalkboard, and as far as I can tell she’s still the only person who incorporates the Smartboard in her classroom. Considering not many people in my class had seen a Smartboard before, we were excited to try it out, and it became our first real taste of technology in the classroom. However the best part of having class with Ms. Coley was easily Pi Day. For March 14^th, (3.14, Get it?!?), we had a variety of projects to choose from, including songs and video presentations, which were always the best. My friends and I wrote a parody to “Semi-Charmed Life”, and although we had setbacks, it was my favorite project I’ve ever made.

            Another one of my most influential teachers was Mr. Palcsey, who taught English. I consider him something of a role model, and why I chose to be an English teacher myself. I don’t know how, but he found a way to make every story or poem interesting and relatable. This, coupled with the occasional Simpsons clip or Classroom Jeopardy game, really opened my eyes to the fact that there is so much amazing Literature outside the realm of Harry Potter. I owe a lot to Mr. P, and we still keep in touch, although now he’s simply known as Mike. (Also I have a sticker of him on my laptop.)

            You know that one crazy-awesome teacher you’ll never forget as long as you live? For me, that’s Mr. McLane, I knew he'd be . From the moment he threw himself at the blackboard in the shape of an X to illustrate the desired variable I knew he'd be my favorite teacher. From his zany antics, to his hilarious jabs at fellow-students, to his “Biz Buzz” number games, he always found a way to keep the class entertained and awake. (He’d use a bullhorn if you fell asleep.) It is near impossible to put into words Mr. McLane’s talent for keeping the students interested, but when rumors broke out about his retirement, the entire student body was up in arms. I can only hope I’ll have even half the impact he left on his students.

            Because of these amazing teachers, I can tell you about Archimedes involvement with Pi, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, or the importance of variables, and I’m happy for the fact. Ms. Coley, Mr. McLane, and Mike are easily some of my biggest driving influences.