why teach?

The other day I was handed a questionnaire by a member of the school's newspaper staff (Genessa Lopez). In response I wrote the following, which I thought I'd share here . . . for what it's worth.

Teacher Feature

1. What do you like best about your job as a health teacher?
(obviously, I teach health)

Connecting with young people is what matters most. Connections lead to relationships, and relationships present the possibility of mutual growth. My class involves a good amount of group work, which provides ample opportunities to share with students. Given my subject matter and the breadth of material in my curriculum, I take a very holistic approach to health, which I love. I really enjoy being able to relate broad topics to the everyday lives of students.

2. What do you look forward to most each school year?

Actually, there are lots of things I love, including pep rallies, sporting events, various school functions, and the school spirit that permeates this building. That said, the thing I most look forward to each year is the opportunity to build relationships with tremendous young people. It is a privilege and a joy to interact with fine young men and women, to get to know so many of them, and in some cases to establish lifelong connections.

3. Do you enjoy teaching at the same school your son attends?
(my son is a sophomore in the school where I teach)

It’s been both fun and strange having _______ here with me. Having taught so many years before he arrived, it was a little different at first. Now, it’s hard to believe that I’ve actually had him in class. Though it was perhaps a little awkward initially, I think it went very well and, overall, having him here has been great. Next up is my fifth grader, _______, who will arrive at PAHS in less than four years!

4. Why did you decide to become a teacher? Why health?

Teaching began to appeal to me as I came to realize the impact you can have in people’s lives when you interact with them on a regular basis. When you combine intellectual pursuits with social ones, you have a recipe for success. This combination has always fascinated me.

Health, by the nature of the case, provides access to topics that have enduring relevance, especially for young people. Given that we are all concerned about our bodies (the physical), our minds (the emotional), and our relationships (the social), health is the perfect vehicle for addressing these issues. A balanced health program, in my opinion, joins the academic to the real world.