JONATHAN BURRELL, Math Department
Q: What made you decide to teach mathematics?
A: In high school, I found my passion for math. When I went to college, it was a lot of fun to help out my friends and tutor. I decided to go back to school and get a degree in education.
Q: What does a typical workday look like?
A: My typical workday consists of arriving around 6:30 in the morning to print out copies, do last minute planning, set up my board and teach my classes. Beyond that, during third period, which is my [planning period], I spend all my time grading papers and planning more lesson plans. At the end of the day, I am here until about 2:45-3:00, printing, grading and planning last minute stuff for tomorrow.
Q: Tell me about your background.
A: I went to Loyola University of Chicago for college. Then, I took a year off to do substitute teaching. After that, I went back and got my Masters in Secondary Education.
Q: What do you like most about Wakefield so far?
A: I have not learned much about Wakefield because I have only been here for a few months but so far I love the community. I love the students, everybody is wonderful, super nice and helpful. The teachers here are amazing and I could not be happier with my decision.
Q: What do you like to do outside of school?
A: Outside of school, I like to relax, watch Netflix and TV, hang out with my dog or play ultimate frisbee.
Q: Do you have any crazy teaching stories?
A: I do have a crazy teaching story! Last year, I had a kid who was weeks behind on his work. Over the weekend, I got this elaborate email about why he was not turning in his work. It ended up being this two to three page paper narrative, of what was going on. All of it was fake, he claimed he had this alter ego that was stopping him from doing his work.
Q: What is your advice for students taking your class(es)?
A: My number one piece of advice is to do your work. A lot of kids, feel like once they get to high school, they do not have to work and can skate through everything. However, you do have to put in some effort. In my classes if you want to do well, you have to put in some effort. If you meet me halfway, I’ll meet you halfway.