Outstanding Teachers

Mr. Bott was my band director freshmen and sophomore year. I have never seen so much passion in any other teacher, my whole life. He was also the craziest teacher I’ve had, and sometimes very intimidating, but nevertheless, admired and loved by years of students. He worked so hard to build our music program into the successful organization that it is today. He was never afraid to wear is emotions on his sleeve. I remember, one night at marching band, we weren’t playing with the “Roxbury sound.” He became so frustrated that he threw his coat to the ground, in 35°F weather, and started screaming at us, and his eyes were popping out of his head. He yelled, “BLOW” and we played with the most glorious sound. Then he just broke down and started crying, and yelled at us some more. Mr. Bott also always taught us that our integrity is more important than anything else, and he lived by that idea. He inspired so many students to love and appreciate music, and many to go on and pursue music as a career. He is one of the reasons that I want to become a music educator. I want to share my passion of music with others, just as he has done.
Mr. Bott was a mix between a rationalist and a regular empiricist. Like most rationalists, he stressed discipline. He made himself a role model to his students, and he taught about the importance of integrity. Mr. Bott also paid a lot of attention to choosing music. He planned out his rehearsals, and was always prepared. His overall style was more traditional, however he also introduced us to contemporary music. Even though Mr. Bott directed the marching band, the music was much more important to him than the marching. He also chose classical shows, such as Pictures at an Exhibition, and The Firebird, rather than pop, or show programs. Mr. Bott also had empiristic qualities. He was extremely performance oriented, emotional, passionate, and expressive. He would often use extrinsic motivation, such as pep talks. In addition, he believed that no one is helped, if some students have only standard preparation. He would always say, “ We are only as strong as our weakest player.” Above all, however, he cared about his students, and mutual respect was developed.

Mrs. Weaver was my AP environmental science teacher, my senior year.  I came into her class in the beginning of the year, not knowing a thing about environmental science. She taught me so much, and she really cared that we all understood the material. We did lots of fun “hands on” material. She was very “maternal” in some ways. The night before the AP test, was had and huge pizza-study party and the morning of the test, she provided us all with breakfast. Mrs. Weaver really cared that we all passed the test, and all of her 50 students did.  She made me extremely interested in protecting the environment, and she inspired me to continue learning about it. I am currently taking an energy efficiency course this year, and I am really enjoying it.
Mrs. Weaver was a pragmatist. She was definitely a cheerleader and motivator. She was concerned with each student’s individual grade. She really cared that everyone succeeded and passed her class. Mrs. Weaver would make sure that all of her students understood the material. She often had us work in groups together and didn’t mind productive side conversations. Furthermore, she cared about her students’ personal lives.

Mrs. McLoughlin was my algebra teacher in my sophomore year of high school. Mathematics is not one of my strong subjects, but she helped me to understand it. She would relate her teachings to everyday situations, which made class more interesting. In addition, she really cared that all of her students did well in her class. She constantly shared updated grades with us. Mrs. McLoughlin was extremely encouraging and very easy to talk to. I think she related to us well because her daughter was around our age. She understood what everyone in a high school class is going through. She also always made herself available to students. I often went to her early in the morning for extra help, and she made sure that I really understood the material. I ended up getting an “A” in the class.
Mrs. McLoughlin was also a pragmatist. She always made sure all her students understood the material. She achieved this by adapting to many different teaching methods for different individuals. She was concerned with grades, and everyone doing well in her class. Lastly, she was interested in knowing about pop culture and students’ interests, so she could relate to them.