As November comes around we acknowledge one of our most passionate, outgoing, and involved teachers in the Carey community. He delves into helping and understanding his students, providing a safe and comfortable environment for his students to reach their fullest potential and be content with learning. From teaching to coaching, he is an invaluable person upholding the Carey power, from interacting with students and parents to creating an immersive and fun environment for those around him. Many may know him as a bright person, have seen him in the hallways, or had him as a math teacher or substitute! Delve into an interview with the one and only Mr. Posillico about his experiences, motivations, and journey to who he is as a teacher now!
What has inspired you to become a teacher and how has that motivation changed over the years?
“When I was in high school, I was between being an engineer and a teacher. I was going to go for engineering but I knew I wanted to do something to help people. My chemistry teacher told me in high school, that he was going to go to medical school because he wanted to help people, and then he realized you don't have to be in an operating room to change someone’s life. That’s when I knew I wanted to teach.”
Have there ever been moments when you’ve found it difficult to connect with students? How have you overcome that?
“Sometimes I have different interests than my students and do not know about all the new things that they may be interested in, but the important thing to me is to take an interest in what they are interested in and take the time to understand. That is how to connect with them. To show that I care about things because it is important to them.”
How do you create a comfortable, positive, and engaging environment for students? Have you ever found it challenging sometimes?
“In my classroom, math is not what is the most important. What is most important is to let your students know that you are there for them, you notice them and are interested in what makes them happy. Once you have made that known, then and only then will your students feel safe and ready to learn the material.”
Can you share a specific moment or time in your teaching career that you’re proud of? (Whether it be a student’s success or an accomplishment of yours)
“There was a student who I had that came here not speaking very much English. I took the time to communicate with him through other means and show them that I took an interest in their life and was willing to work hard to help them succeed, and they ended up not just passing but doing extremely well in my class. We developed a great relationship.”
How do you adapt/accommodate to students’ different learning styles and connect in your teaching environment?
“In the classroom, quality is more important than quality. Too many times in math, it can be rushed to get through so many problems. For me, I make sure to switch it up and do a few problems in different ways to help hit different students' needs and show them that in math too the answer may not be debatable but the way you get there does allow for creativity.”
What strategies or styles of teaching do you use to motivate and inspire your students to reach their full potential in their educational journey?
“I like to have an environment that is relaxed. In my classroom, even though my students are limited in the apps they have access to and do not have access to their phones, the bonds we build and the comfort level they create allow for an environment where students are engaged, happy, and always kept on their toes!”
What do you enjoy about teaching and meeting new students?
“I love learning about students’ lives and the things they enjoy. They also teach me just as much as I teach them. I learn about new technology, apps, games, and other things that keep me up to date. Hearing their stories is always inspiring and something I love getting to listen to.”
Have you found it easy to meet all types of students and find common ground with them?
“I have because I do not try and relate to students by what I am interested in but instead relate to my students by finding out what they are interested in. That way, I can find common ground by learning about what they enjoy.”
Has there ever been a role model or example you aspire to be like for your students or workplace?
“My high school chemistry teacher. He is the one who inspired me to teach. He made the classroom such a fun place by showing that he was human just like everyone else, and things did not need to be so rigid just because it was school.”
Describe yourself as an individual and teacher to the Carey Community:
“At Carey, I consider myself to be someone who is always available to students. I am visible in the hallways, at school events, and as a coach in the community. My students know they can always find me and talk to me whenever I need. I always want to be a relatable teacher where no matter what we are learning, my classroom can be a bright spot in all of my students’ days.”
Comments