Intro: As students make their way through the halls, dozens of friendly faces greet them as they pass. A simple “hello” can form a connection, even if only for a split second. Many students know their teachers as only teachers. While teachers assign homework, tests and more daily work that may seem like a punishment, it is important to remember that those same teachers were in the shoes of a high schooler at one point, too. Before they became teachers, they were athletes, friends and students. Taking a moment to realize that teachers have passions and hobbies can foster new relationships and a better understanding between students and teachers. 

Teacher 1: Mr. Majors

• Life in School: What type of student were you?
  • ”I was an Honors student that put emphasis on my math and science classes”
• Impact: What class helped you the most?
  • “All math and science classes, especially Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, physics [helped me the most]”
• Reflecting: What would you do differently if you went back to high school?
  • “I would take some AP or CHS classes that were not offered when I was in school but are now offered, take some additional classes through the cyber program that are not offered in the building, and join ski club along with some of the other clubs that are now offered”

Other:

Some major differences now compared to when I was in school:

Students didn’t have cell phones

We didn’t have internet

Students didn’t have Chromebooks

Teacher 2: Ms. Fontaine

• Life in School: What were your favorite/best subjects and why?
  • “My favorite subjects in high school were English and Science. I absolutely love learning how the English language is derived (many words come from the Latin language) and Science is just fascinating!”
• Impact: How did you balance school and social life?
  • “I learned time management skills around the age of 16 when I got my first part-time job. This allowed me to be able to work, attend school and still have a social life.”
• Reflecting: What is something you wished you knew?
  • “ Looking back now, I wish I knew to soak everything in much more from my high school experience. Participate in more activities and not take things for granted. Adulting is hard and I would give anything to be back in high school for just one day to have no real cares or worries.”

Teacher 3: Ms. Giammaria

• Life in School: What did you want to be when you grew up, and how did you prepare for that? 
  • “The first thing I ever remember wanting to be when I grew up was an astronaut. I saw myself doing all of those tests and I envisioned eventually being in a rocket.”
• Impact: What/who helped you most in school?
  • “The most help that I would have in school I would say as far as someone who was always there for me was definitely my mom. As far as school, it would have to be my college advisor as I was ready to graduate she was the first person to suggest teaching to me”
• Reflecting: Were you interested in becoming a teacher in high school, or has that changed over time?
  • “I wanted to get away from high school, but when I was in college at the end of my undergrad and Communications I had a freak out moment because I was getting ready to graduate and the only job offer I’ve gotten so far was to go move near Houston Texas and be part of their CVS affiliate Saturday Morning News Team. I was freaking out and I was talking to my advisor and she suggested adding a teaching certification as a backup plan. Then I did that and I ended up here at Freedom for student teaching and I never left. It was a really weird roundabout way of finding what I believe is a true calling for me.“

Teacher 4: Mr. Dickey

• Life in School: 

What activities did you participate in during high school?

• “I was involved in band, choir, track (2 mile and 4×800 relay). For clubs I participated in NHS, and theater club (we didn’t have a class in my school).”

• Impact: What was the biggest challenge you faced in high school and how did you overcome it?
  • ”My biggest challenge was finding the balance between school, friends, and family”
• Reflecting: What was the most important lesson or information you learned?
  • “The most important lesson I learned was from my gym teacher (who I despised), he said ‘If you don’t like the situation you are in, rise above it. No one will pull you out, you have to do it yourself.’”

Teacher 5: Mr. Langelli (History)

• Life in School: What hobbies did you enjoy?
  • “I loved basketball.”
• Impact: What or who was the most important to you?
  • “My wonderful girlfriend, who just so happens to now be my wonderful wife”
• Reflecting: What advice would you give to students going through high school?
  • “Remember that we have more control over our high school experience than we think. We control our own attitude towards it. If we expect the worst then that is what we will get. I couldn’t wait to get out of high school and that was a mistake. Not that I wish to go back but I do wish I had a better perspective on school.”

Teacher 6: Ms. Gudzan (Spanish 10-12)

• Life in School: What were you involved in during high school, and how did you spend your free time?
  • “In high school, I participated in Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Chorus, and Jazz Band. I spent my free time hanging out with my friends and working my part-time job at Kmart.”
• Impact: What is your favorite memory from high school?
  • “My favorite memory from high school was the trip we took with Mr. Bohon and the French teacher to Spain and France. It was my first time traveling to these places, and it was such an amazing experience that inspired me to continue to travel.”
• Reflecting: What do you remember most about high school?
  • “My favorite memories probably come from my Spanish and Physics classes. These were my favorite classes with my favorite teachers (Mr. Bohon and Dr. Wargo), and my closest friends were in these classes with me, too.”