How long have you been a teacher?
“Since January 2020, I started with elementary school, and moving up to high school was way easier.”
How long have you been a teacher at WRHS?
“This is my fifth year.”
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
“I would say my music teachers always seemed the happiest.”
Are you involved in any other additional activities at the school or in the community?
“The symphony orchestra.”
What is your favorite topic to teach?
“Definitely in guitar, once everyone knows enough stuff to learn their own songs online, they like coming to class more.”
What is your least favorite thing about being a teacher?
“Everything is pretty good, it can be hard to bring everyone’s attention to focus on one thing at certain times, so figuring out how to get everyone focused.”
What is the most important life lesson you teach? Or what is a piece of advice you would give to your students?
“If you have something you really like, branch off with it. For example, teaching music and performing music. Focusing yourself on one specific thing might be hard if there’s ever low demand.”
What is one thing you would tell new teachers/want them to know?
“It’s okay for things to not go perfectly. A perfect day is almost impossible. Don’t shoot for perfect days, and be okay with the imperfections.”
What do you think is an important thing for all teachers to keep in mind?
“Students’ time in your class is only a part of their day. Recognize that students’ entire day can’t be just what you teach.”
What do you think makes you a good teacher?
“I try to incorporate student interest in every unit, some parts of what we do can involve their personal life, whatever format that is, is totally fine.”
What is your funniest teaching story?
“The funniest stuff is what bends the rules just enough, not enough for a d hall but definitely something they shouldn’t be doing. A kid figured out that he went to the wrong lunch, he was supposed to go to fourth but accidentally went to first. He brought his food back to class and finished eating there instead of just finishing it in the cafeteria. I’ve never seen a hamburger eaten so quickly.”
What is a random fact about you that would surprise most students?
“I have a twin brother who is a tennis coach.”
Student Quotes:
“I have had him as a homeroom teacher since freshman year and he still waves at me in the hallways, he is so nice,” said senior Jasmin Abdella.
“He was a very good guitar teacher, and inspires people to play. He taught me a lot and was very chill. He is the reason why my grandpa gave me his guitar,” said senior Emma Lane.
