Overview
For years now, iWrite has had articles on student life, where you learn all about the student body, and their interests, goals, and plans for the future. But what about teachers interests, goals, or future plans? This article is to learn about the colleges they attended, obstacles they have faced, and goals they have for this year.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Looking into the Lives of Our Teachers
By: Aurelian Greeno - February 28, 2016
As students, we have been around teachers for almost our entire lives. As children, we go through preschool and kindergarten working with these different teachers. Although we spend so much of our lives being around our teachers, how often do we actually get to know these people? We spend the majority of our days with them, and yet, in most cases we hardly know them. As kids, we sometimes come to believe our teachers actually live at the school, and have no lives outside of the school day. We eventually do realize that teachers are, in fact, people like everyone else, however, it is still rare that we ever know anything more about them than their first names.
In my experiences, and in the experiences of others who have had the pleasure of getting to know their teacher, it is almost always beneficial to both the student and the teacher. By breaking down the “professional” barrier between a student and a teacher, it allows for much more learning and development than the class alone can offer.
Using results from a survey the teachers have filled out, I was able to find out more about who they really are. Ms. Ferrell shared that she likes doing crafts and regularly works out. She is also busy planning her wedding in July! Her favorite food is either stuffed green peppers or beef and noodles over mashed potatoes, and she loves chocolate milk. She also has a lot of favorite TV shows, including Grey’s Anatomy and Chopped. One thing she would like people to know about her is that she loves everyone, and feels like if everyone knew each other’s “stories,” the world would be a much kinder place.
Ms. Lauer says she is very interested in English and reading. She is also really interested in community service, homelessness, and poverty. She is not originally from North Baltimore, but she does love this town. She loves the students, and says they are the most respectful she’s ever encountered. One thing she wants people to know above all else, is that she feels very blessed to be a part of North Baltimore Local Schools, where she gets to not only teach, but also learn from her students.
Mr. Archer spends his time coaching his son's hockey and basketball teams. He is involved in the Great Lakes shipping industry and is on the Board of Directors for Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online. His favorite food is steak and ribs, and his favorite drink is sweet tea. Mr. Archer is interested in becoming a more effective facilitator- researching it, applying new strategies, etc. and is passionate about living out his faith and trying to be a positive example to others.
In my experiences, and in the experiences of others who have had the pleasure of getting to know their teacher, it is almost always beneficial to both the student and the teacher. By breaking down the “professional” barrier between a student and a teacher, it allows for much more learning and development than the class alone can offer.
Using results from a survey the teachers have filled out, I was able to find out more about who they really are. Ms. Ferrell shared that she likes doing crafts and regularly works out. She is also busy planning her wedding in July! Her favorite food is either stuffed green peppers or beef and noodles over mashed potatoes, and she loves chocolate milk. She also has a lot of favorite TV shows, including Grey’s Anatomy and Chopped. One thing she would like people to know about her is that she loves everyone, and feels like if everyone knew each other’s “stories,” the world would be a much kinder place.
Ms. Lauer says she is very interested in English and reading. She is also really interested in community service, homelessness, and poverty. She is not originally from North Baltimore, but she does love this town. She loves the students, and says they are the most respectful she’s ever encountered. One thing she wants people to know above all else, is that she feels very blessed to be a part of North Baltimore Local Schools, where she gets to not only teach, but also learn from her students.
Mr. Archer spends his time coaching his son's hockey and basketball teams. He is involved in the Great Lakes shipping industry and is on the Board of Directors for Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online. His favorite food is steak and ribs, and his favorite drink is sweet tea. Mr. Archer is interested in becoming a more effective facilitator- researching it, applying new strategies, etc. and is passionate about living out his faith and trying to be a positive example to others.
Looking into the Lives of Teachers Part II
By: Aurelian Greeno - February 28, 2016
In my previous article, I took a look into the lives and interests of the teachers at NBHS. More teachers have answered the questionnaire, and this is what they had to say:
Mr. Pack shared that his favorite TV show is Who’s Line is it Anyway?, and his favorite food is steak. He loves Texas Roadhouse, and his favorite drink is Mr. Pibb. Growing up, someone he looked up to was his clarinet teacher, Mr. Tom Watson, and he says he is the reason he became a music teacher. One thing he wants people to know above all is that he tries to be a genuine and honest person wherever he goes.
Mrs. Miller loves to cook. Her favorite food is surf and turf (lobster and filet), and her favorite drink is Diet Caffeine Free Coke and Diet A&W Root Beer. She likes to listen to prophetic worship and has over 100 CDs! Something that interests her is supernatural things. One thing she wants students to know about her is that if they ever need someone to talk to, she’s there for them.
Our principal, Dr. Falkenstein also answered the questionnaire. His favorite type of music is rap, blues, and rock. He loves Kid Rock or the Beastie Boys. He’s even seen Kid Rock in concert 8 times and saw The Allman Brothers Band about 20 times. He looks up to his father, an army veteran and recipient of two purple hearts, and says he is his inspiration. His favorite food is homemade walleye or chicken wings at Frickers. Also, every weekend, he cooks breakfast (eggs, sausage, bagels, toast, potatoes, donuts, coffee) for his family and they get frosty mugs iced cold in the freezer for milk or OJ. One thing he would like people to know about him above all else is that family comes first.
Finding out more about the teachers we spend every day with could help us all in the long run.
Mr. Pack shared that his favorite TV show is Who’s Line is it Anyway?, and his favorite food is steak. He loves Texas Roadhouse, and his favorite drink is Mr. Pibb. Growing up, someone he looked up to was his clarinet teacher, Mr. Tom Watson, and he says he is the reason he became a music teacher. One thing he wants people to know above all is that he tries to be a genuine and honest person wherever he goes.
Mrs. Miller loves to cook. Her favorite food is surf and turf (lobster and filet), and her favorite drink is Diet Caffeine Free Coke and Diet A&W Root Beer. She likes to listen to prophetic worship and has over 100 CDs! Something that interests her is supernatural things. One thing she wants students to know about her is that if they ever need someone to talk to, she’s there for them.
Our principal, Dr. Falkenstein also answered the questionnaire. His favorite type of music is rap, blues, and rock. He loves Kid Rock or the Beastie Boys. He’s even seen Kid Rock in concert 8 times and saw The Allman Brothers Band about 20 times. He looks up to his father, an army veteran and recipient of two purple hearts, and says he is his inspiration. His favorite food is homemade walleye or chicken wings at Frickers. Also, every weekend, he cooks breakfast (eggs, sausage, bagels, toast, potatoes, donuts, coffee) for his family and they get frosty mugs iced cold in the freezer for milk or OJ. One thing he would like people to know about him above all else is that family comes first.
Finding out more about the teachers we spend every day with could help us all in the long run.
Mr. Archer
Mr. Archer was interviewed on where he went to college and why he picked that college he replied, “I went to Bluffton University. I picked this college because they have a great education and art program. I was also recruited to play soccer there”. Luke was involved in two student organizations at Bluffton they are FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and BASIC (Brother and Sisters in Christ). He joined a few sports, Intramural Basketball and Varsity Soccer. When questioned on whether he had a degree in anything other than teaching he responded, “I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education. I also have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Reading and Literary”. One major obstacle he faced in college was time management, playing soccer meant missing classes. He had to learn to take responsibility in his learning. Mr. Archer graduated Bluffton University in 2002. When asked where he taught before he came to teach at North Baltimore he said, “I substituted for half a year, in Art, at Fort Jennings and the other half of the year at Ottawa-Glandorf”. One major goal Luke has for this school year is that he wants to get the artwork on display in the community. He also says, “We have some really cool things going on here and folks need to be aware of it”. A few things Mr. Archer handles stress is by praying, playing hockey, and playing with his children. When questioned on what motivates him he replied, “A challenge and words of encouragement motivate me to my absolute best.”
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mrs. Bugner
Mrs. Sarah Bugner was interviewed on where she attended college she responded with, “I went to Ohio State University, BGSU, and the University of Findlay. I picked OSU because I wanted to be a Buckeye. I hated it there so I transferred. I had friends at all of them so I guess you’d say I’m a follower.” At Ohio State University she was involved in the University Choir. At BGSU she wrote for the student newspaper. She was also a member of a sorority and an honors fraternity. She worked at the Student Recreational Center. Mrs. Bugner does not have a degree in anything other than teaching. When asked what was one major obstacle she faced during college she replied, “One major obstacle I faced was being able to budget my time and money. I worked three jobs and always took between fifteen to eighteen credit hours. My days were crazy. I’d go to class from about 8am-1pm. Work one job from 2:30-6:30. Come home, eat and then work at the rec from 8-11pm. Then I worked in Findlay all weekend. I was always so exhausted trying to work and get my classwork done and find time to hang out with friends.” Sarah Bugner graduated from undergrad in 2006 and completed her masters in 2011. She has worked at Glenwood Elementary in Rossford at their afterschool and summer program and she also student taught at Carey High School before teaching at North Baltimore. When interviewed on what was one main goal she has planned for this year she responded with, “I’m having major orthopedic surgery so one goal is to be able to walk pain-free. Another goal is to move my classroom to completely online assignments.” Her health and her family is what motivates her. She also mentioned, “ I want to be the best person I can be to show my kids how you can change your life with hard work and the choices you make.”
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mr. Daniels
Mr. Jeff Daniels was interviewed on where he attended college, and he answered, “ I attended Bowling Green State University.” Daniels picked this college because his mom worked there, so he basically went for free. Jeff was involved in recreational sports, such as basketball and softball. When questioned on whether or not he had a degree in anything other than teaching he responded, “I have a degree in History Education with a minor in Bookkeeping/Basic Business.” One major obstacle he faced in college was how to study properly. He graduated BGSU in December 1999. Daniels has subbed at Lake, Northwood, Elmwood, and Van Buren before he came to teach at North Baltimore. He mentioned that NB is the only official place he has ever taught at. When interviewed on what is one main goal he has planned for this school year he replied, “My students have done an excellent job the last two years with SLO’s. I had over 90% pass the first year, and I had 100% pass last year. I would love for that streak to continue. My students also did an excellent job on the PBA and EOY tests that the state gives with 91% passing. I am very hopeful to continue that trend as well.” Mr. Daniels plays sports to handle stress, if possible. If that is not available, he likes to play video games as a backup. Jeff also mentioned in his interview what motivates him, “I am motivated by a fear of failure. I believe that if I prepare myself (and my students) then I should never fail at anything. I might not get the results that I want, but I will have at the very minimum achieved something that I needed to accomplish. I am also motivated by helping others. I like to be the person that people feel they can come to if they have a problem. I think that if we all were more open to discussing problems, instead of worrying so much about how we sound/look to others, then many of our problems would be taken care of."
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mrs. Dotson
Mrs.Dotson was interviewed about her life as an aid and whether or not she enjoyed it, she was asked what a normal routine was from the beginning of the day to the end of the school day, and she told us: “My daily routine is waking up at 5:45 am. I get ready for work to come in and see all my favorite students. I pack Damon’s lunches, write him his daily note and head out to do bus duty. My day is spent taking care of Brandon, then at the end of the day I am back on the bus until 3:30 pm.”
She was asked if she enjoyed her job or not and she said, “Yes, because I love being around all the students and in the classes. Plus I have the best staff ever!!!”
Mrs. Dotson is an aid and thoroughly enjoys her job and helping other people. NB is lucky to have her.
-Michael Gorsline
She was asked if she enjoyed her job or not and she said, “Yes, because I love being around all the students and in the classes. Plus I have the best staff ever!!!”
Mrs. Dotson is an aid and thoroughly enjoys her job and helping other people. NB is lucky to have her.
-Michael Gorsline
Mrs. Eynon
Mrs. Eynon was asked where she went to college and she responded, “I went to Bowling Green State University”. She said she picked this college because it was close to home and it has a good education program. She was involved in a few student organizations, Intramural Softball and Honorary Chapter for Education. The only sports Amy was involved in was Intramural Softball. She does not have a degree in anything other than teaching. When questioned what was one major obstacle she faced in college she replied, “Adjusting to the size of classes and the lack of relationship with professors”. Amy graduated May of 2001 with her Bachelor’s Degree and May of 2008 with her Master’s Degree. She taught at Sylvania Southview and Evergreen before she came to teach at North Baltimore. One major goal she has for this year is to grade quicker. When interviewed on how she handles stress she responded, “I do yoga six times a week. I try to mentally spin negative situations into positive learning experiences”. We asked Mrs. Eynon what motivates her and she said, “My own children and my students. I want to be someone they can all say they were proud to know. I hope to leave my positive mark somewhere."
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mrs. Garner
To Mrs. Garner Christmas means a time to spend with family, relaxing, and enjoying their company. When asked when she plans to put up her tree she stated, “It’s already up. We put it up the day after Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving night.” One of her favorite Christmas songs is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. A gift she had always wanted for Christmas but never got would either be a dirtbike or an Atari. Susan’s favorite Christmas film is Christmas Vacation. Mrs. Garner prefers a white Christmas over a green one. Her favorite place to be during the holidays is with her family. Garner believes the coming new year will be good. When interviewed on whether she thought New Year’s resolutions are a good idea she responded, “Yes, as long as the goal/resolution is attainable.” One of her New Year’s traditions are staying up to watch the ball drop.
Mr. Gregorsok
Mr. Jeffrey Gregorsok was interviewed on where he attended college, and he responded, “I attended Bowling Green State University. I didn’t know what major to choose, so I went to BGSU because they have a large selection of majors and they are less expensive than some other schools.” Jeff was involved in the honors program at BGSU and the Japanese Club, which he really enjoyed. He also mentioned, that other than his degree in teaching, he has a minor degree in Astronomy. When questioned on what was one major obstacle he faced in college, Jeff replied, “Once I lived off campus there were way more distractions, and it was harder to focus on studying.” He graduated college in 2005. Gregorsok did student teaching at Eastwood and subbed at Otsego, before he came to teach at North Baltimore. When asked what was one main goal he has planned for this year he responded, “One goal I have planned for this school year is to inspire one student to major in Physics or a similar field of science.” Jeff mentioned that he cleans, listens to music, plays video games, and rides his bike to relieve stress. Science and helping people learn is what motivates Jeffrey Gregorsok.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mr. Hollenbaugh
Mr. Mark Hollenbaugh was questioned on where he attended college, and he responded, “I attended Bowling Green State University.” He picked BGSU because it was close and less expensive than other colleges. Mark was involved a student organization called ROTC (The Reserve Officers' Training Corps). Mark was involved in various intramural sports such as:; hockey, softball, and fencing. Hollenbaugh was interviewed on whether he had a degree in anything other than teaching, and he replied, “ History was a minor in political science and a Master’s Degree in educational curriculum and instruction.” At first, the major obstacle he faced in college was that there was far more fun and exciting activities to attend on campus than going to class. Later, he got married and had a son which was very time consuming. Hollenbaugh graduated in fFall of 1998. When interviewed on where else he has taught before he came to North Baltimore he replied, “I haven’t taught anywhere else, I did my student teaching here at NB and stayed.” One main goal Mr. Hollenbaugh has planned for this school year is to teach, to learn, and to grow. Making the world a better place, and more enlightened place one small victory at a time is what motivates Mark Hollenbaugh.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mr. Lamb
Ryan Lamb was questioned on where he attended college and he replied, “I attended Bowling Green State University. I liked the town and the campus when I went on my visit.” Ryan joined a student organization called HSA (Honors Student Association). Mr. Lamb does not have a degree in anything other than teaching. When interviewed on what was one major obstacle he faced in college he responded, “Moving far from home without knowing anyone was the major obstacle that I faced in college.” He graduated in 2009. Lamb has taught nowhere but North Baltimore. He mentioned that one main goal he has for this school year was, “To be better than the day before.” Mr. Ryan Lamb handles stress by doing something to take his mind off from whatever is stressing him out. One thing that motivates Mr. Lamb is that he wants to get better all the time.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Ms. Lauer
Ms. Lauer was interviewed on where she went to college and she replied, “I went to the University of Findlay”. She said she picked this college because it was close to home, it felt safe, they had a great program, and she got into the field her freshmen year. She was involved in a lot of student organizations so we asked her to list a few; Habitat for Humanity, Circle K, UFOSEA (Education Club), STAR (Students for Alumni Relations), and Physics Club. She was not involved in any sports but she played sand volleyball and intramural broomball for fun. When questioned whether she had a degree in anything other than teaching and she responded, “I have a degree in English so I could be an editor, or work for a magazine”. One major obstacle she faced in college was prioritizing her time enough that she could fit in everything she wanted to do. Ms. Lauer graduated May of 2011. She taught at Bettsville before she came to North Baltimore. When asked what was one major goal she has for this year she said, “To have a positive, happy, successful year with my students”. She mentioned that she does not handle stress very well, she eats chocolate, she vents, and she knits when she’s stressed. What motivates Ms. Lauer are her students.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mr. Luderman
When interviewing Rob Luderman he stated that Christmas means the birth of Jesus for him. Luderman was asked when he plans to put up his Christmas tree and he responded enthusiastically, “I already put up my tree.” Rob’s favorite Christmas film is the exciting thriller Polar Express. Mr. Luderman prefers a white Christmas over a green one. When questioned on where his favorite place to be during the holidays is he replied,” I love to spend time at home with my family during the holidays.” Luderman mentioned that he hopes that the coming new year will be good. When asked if he thought New Year resolutions are a good idea, he responded,”In theory I believe New Year resolutions are good, In practice though, no.” Rob Luderman plans to spend this New Years with his friends and family.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mrs. Miller
Mrs. Jacqueline B. Miller was interviewed on where she attended college and she answered, “I attended Bowling Green State University for my Bachelors and The University of Findlay for my Masters and Principals Certification.” She said she picked BGSU because it is one of the best schools to attend to acquire teaching certifications. Miller picked The University of Findlay because it was close to home, and she knew some of the instructors and staff. She was involved in various student organizations; one in particular was a program called Junior Achievement where she explored computer technology and Business activities such as Stocks & Bonds. It ran during the school year and students from other area schools were also involved. She was also a part of Campus Crusade for Christ, where they met each week at student’s homes. They played games and had Bible study. When questioned whether she had a degree in anything other than teaching, she responded, “I have a Masters Degree in educational technology. I am also certified to be a fourth through twelfth grade principal.” One major obstacle she faced while being in college was that she was married and a working mother to two children under the age of five while attending BGSU full time. It took her three and a half years to get her degree. Jacqueline graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1998, and The University of Findlay in 2005; she also got her Principal’s Certification in 2008. She taught at Stautzenberger College after graduating from BGSU, and Owens Community College before coming to teach at North Baltimore. When asked what was one major goal she has planned for this year she replied, “ Getting the online school up and running smoothly is one major goal I have for this year.” She mentioned that she handles stress by meditating and worship. When questioned on what motivates her she responded, “my students motivate me.”
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mrs. Powell
Mrs. Charlotte Powell was questioned on where she attended college she replied, “I attended Bowling Green State University for my Bachelor’s Degree and Wright State University for my Masters.” She picked BGSU because her sister went there and it had a good education program. She picked Wright State because it had the program she wanted. Mrs. Powell was involved in the Great Commission Ministry for four years. When asked whether or not she had a degree in anything other than teaching, she responded with,”I also have a degree in Library Science and Technology.” One major obstacle Powell faced in college was two hard classes, “Genetics and Evolution”. Charlotte graduated BGSU in 1994 and Wright State in 2005. Mrs. Powell has taught nowhere other than NB.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mr. Rowlinson
Mr. Bradlee Rowlinson was questioned on where he attended college and he replied, “Bowling Green State University. I picked BGSU because it’s not too far away from home, only an hour away. My sister and brother in-law both went to BGSU.” Bradlee was involved in dining services on campus. When interviewed on if he had a degree in anything other than teaching he responded, “I have my masters in Administration and Supervision.” One major obstacle he faced in college was money, being able to afford college without going into serious debt. Mr. Rowlinson graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in 2002, and his Masters Degree in 2008. When asked where else he has taught other than North Baltimore, he responded with, “I subbed at Elmwood before I came to teach at North Baltimore.” One main goal Bradlee has planned for this school year is to hopefully inspire some students to look at careers in the math field. Mr. Rowlinson mentioned what motivates him is seeing students being successful in my classroom as well as they move on and be successful with their careers. One of the best parts about teaching, is when students come back and say thank you. It helps inform you that you are still making a difference as a teacher.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mrs. Traver
Mrs. Julienne Traver was interviewed on where she attended college and she responded, “Bowling Green State University. I picked BGSU because it had a great education program.” Julie has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. When questioned on what was one major obstacle she faced in college her response was, “The biggest obstacle I faced during college was being two hours away from home.” She graduated in 1994 with her Bachelor's degree. Mrs.Traver subbed for two years in Hancock County Schools before she came to teach Middle School Social Studies at North Baltimore. One main goal she has for this school year is to try and do more computer based programs. Julie Traver mentioned that she handles stress by drinking diet coke. When interviewed on what motivates her she replied, “I work hard to be the best person I can be.”
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith
Mr. Zamudio
During the interview Mr. Zamudio was asked what Christmas meant to him and he stated that Christmas to him means a time to spend with family and make memories. When asked when he plans to put up his tree he replied, “Our trees usually go up before OSU vs T.T.U.N, however this year up our trees the week before Thanksgiving.” Martin’s favorite song is White Christmas by The Drifters. A gift he wanted for Christmas but never got was a Red Rider BB gun with a compass in the stock. Zamudio’s favorite Christmas film is Christmas with the Kranks. He prefers a white Christmas over a green one. When interviewed on where his favorite place to be during the holidays is he responded, “Watching “A Christmas Story” marathon at home.”Mr. Zamudio believes the coming new year will be good and full of opportunity. When asked if he liked the previous year he replied, “Yes, I liked the previous year, I was able to continue existing.” He believes that new Year resolutions are a good idea because the goal setting is beneficial. For New Year’s he plans to spend time with his family and friends. When asked if he has any New Year’s traditions he replied, “For New Years my family has traveled home from family visits. We’ve watched the ball drop on TV, in Times Square in NYC, and watched firework displays.
-Krysta Smith
-Krysta Smith