Mr. M.G. has been a 9th-grade teacher for the level-up program for all eight years he’s been working at CRLS. Mr. M.G. and his partner in crime Ms. Hatlen, who works alongside him in the classroom, are always doing their best to make CRLS a more inclusive and thoughtful space.
Found in the corner of the building with twinkling string lights, cozy chairs, and a cup of tea at the ready whenever needed, 2132 is an important space for students and clubs of all grade levels. Students often reflect on the joy they encountered in this class, and how the skills they developed led them to some of the successes and connections of their current high school careers.
This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.
Register Forum: How long have you been working at CRLS?
Mr. M.G.: I’ve been working here for eight years.
RF: What has it been like teaching at CRLS, and what makes it special?
Mr. M.G.: I’ve really enjoyed teaching here, and [what] stands out to me the most is always the students and the staff. The students are amazing, they come to school with so much energy and motivation to do well. Students want to find success, share their views, and find ways to get their voice out there to the world, and I like helping them by being a sort of facilitator to that. I wouldn’t say that I’m somebody who teaches them how to have a voice, but I would like to facilitate their ability to share it. As for the staff, I’m always impressed to see the way colleagues are motivated to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of their students.
RF: How do you work to foster both an engaging and diverse community environment?
Mr. M.G.: Luckily, as part of the level-up program, we’re always teaching a very diverse set of students within the classroom. We like to help them gain confidence through their interactions; from making sure that they’re working with not just students that they feel most comfortable with, but also by giving them different opportunities to challenge themselves within those interactions. Trying not only to have conversations with people who agree with them, but also students who are gonna push back on their ideas, provides learning and builds new perspectives, which is something I try to do in my classroom.
RF: Final comments or advice for students?
Mr. M.G.: View every day as an opportunity to show what you are capable of. Try to the best of your ability to be kind to the people around you because they will remember that. Be forthcoming with your teachers about how they can support your goals. They love to be a small part of your educational journey so don’t be afraid to let them know how they can help!
This article also appears in our October 2024 print edition.
