Normally, when the phrase “enthusiastic teachers” is said, the first image to come to your mind is young, bright-eyed teachers. While this is often the case, it is important to note that many teachers with multiple years of experience under their belt are still immensely enthusiastic and passionate about their subject as well as teaching as a whole. Here at Mountain Ridge, there are many teachers who fit both of these descriptions, but this spotlight is dedicated to teachers with around thirty-plus years of experience who still continue to bring energy and enthusiasm into their classrooms.
First, it is important to take the time to discuss just how crucial not burning out is when thinking of a teacher’s enthusiasm. Teachers face burnout just as much, if not more, as students do. In fact, in a study from 2022, the American Educational Research Association found that teachers in the United States are 40% more likely to face symptoms of anxiety compared to healthcare workers, 30% more likely than workers in other vocations such as farming and the military, and 20% more likely when compared to office workers. Many of these issues have existed since before COVID-19 but have been exacerbated by the pandemic due to schools doing hybrid learning as well as the lack of enthusiasm from students. Teachers are under more pressure and yet continue to rise to the occasion, as demonstrated time and time again at Ridge by these five teachers.
At Ridge, there are some teachers who have been here since Ridge’s doors opened thirty years ago. One such teacher is Mr. Sabel, the current AP Literature and Composition and Read 180 teacher. While he has been in the field for thirty-one years, the past thirty have been spent at Ridge. He has seen the campus grow from only the E and C buildings to teachers in portable containers acting as makeshift classrooms to finally the creation of the CC building. His teaching style relies heavily on discussion and students must follow one main requirement: simply read the material.
When asked how to ease burnout, Sabel said, “Not thinking of teaching as my career.” He explained that he saw his real career as writing and this helped alleviate any burn out.
On the topic of passion, Sabel said with a smile, “Besides the fact that I love the literature, I also love when students’ eyes brighten up with knowledge and awareness. It means I changed their lives a little bit.” As well, he added, “I feel more passionate towards the students than I do the teaching.”
As for how the students affect his teaching, Sabel said, “As long as they interact with me then I’m happy!” He went on to add that whenever he is teaching and talking to students, he does not feel the pain in his foot.
Many teachers should be praised for their ability to maintain enthusiasm for their subject, as well as instilling it within their students. Stay tuned for the next installment, featuring Mr. Prey and Mr. Lang, two teachers at Ridge with some of the lonest standing careers that continue to maintain passion for their subjects and students.
