Teachers have dominated the world since man learned to walk. They’ve demonstrated the importance of staying curious and have inspired countless students, including those at Marist High School.
What exactly do students look for in a teacher?
Teens have a lot to say about their experience with Marist teachers. An MHS Media survey of 194 students revealed that 95.9% of teens have a favorite educator at Marist. Moreover, the poll uncovered that students value personality (87.1%), understandability (67.5%), and teaching methods (66%).
When hiring staff, Principal Meg Dunneback directs the process alongside other administrators. They oversee each candidate in hopes of adding a new member to the Marist community.
“You’re [teachers] using your brain, your heart, your soul sometimes…it’s about the kids,” said Dunneback. “You should be a vehicle to learning.”
Dunneback believes caring about the students is one thing that’s always captured her heart and caught her eye.
“Their ability to be genuine, I think kids can sniff out a fake…you can be vulnerable…be able to be yourself,” said Dunneback. “They have to hold kids accountable and they can still care about them.”
Creating an environment where all individuals can fully express themselves influences the attitudes of students, a fact that becomes clear when discussing the topic with counselors.
Marist counselor Robyn McNaughton speaks to several students daily conversing about the good, the bad, and sometimes the teachers.
“They express concerns…when a teacher’s behind on grading…if a student doesn’t get enough feedback,” said McNaughton.
As a counselor, McNaughton is trained to calm nerves and teach teens how to alter their perspective.
According to the National Library of Medicine about 46% of teachers experience daily stress and often relate to feelings of burnout. This can be caused by various factors, including the behavior of their students.
“Care about the student and student success,” said McNaughton. “It goes such a long way to know one thing about each student.”
In accordance with the survey, various feedback was given from RedHawks about what qualities define a teacher as “a favorite.”
“Teachers who teach with personality and different teaching methods make it easier to pay attention and retain information,” said junior Eddie Dougherty.
“I feel when I have a teacher who knows how to read the room…knows when to be quieter or energetic helps me concentrate a lot better,” said junior Emily Bulvan.
Theology teacher Patrick Meyer embodies what it means to be a Marist educator.
Educating the youth through faith, Meyer strives to create a welcoming, learning environment for all kids.
“I try to get to know them as individuals…I talk about myself…so they know I’m not just a robot,” said Meyer.
He uses an assortment of methods to get his class involved and understand the topic.
“I like to use a combination of videos, talking formatives, not the same thing all the time…I think it really helps the students to stay engaged,” said Meyer.
Similarly, the U.S. Department of Education agrees saying, “Good teaching involves engaging students through multiple strategies, rather than relying on a single method.” Past students remember Meyer engaging in vocab speed dating, meditating through song, and greeting students with a Wicked battle cry.
“I love seeing Mr. Meyer. He’s so much fun, never boring, and he’s genuinely interested in what I have to say,” said junior Maeve Farrell. “I loved all my teachers freshman year, but he stuck out for sure.”
With open arms, Meyer embraces all students in hopes of making his past teachers proud. He takes the joy they brought him to a new generation.
“I had great relationships with my teachers…when I was stressed or worried or had a bad day, they always cheered me up,” said Meyer. “I want to be that to my students because they were so important to me growing up.”
When it comes down to it, no teacher is the same, yet they all serve the same purpose: to educate, inspire, and turn kids into educated individuals. Just as they taught man to walk, they continue to shape future generations, all while forming friendships that many come to cherish.
“I genuinely look forward to seeing all of you guys…I truly care about all you guys…makes it kind of easier for us to get along and have a relationship,” said Meyer.
