History Andrew Willett is one of the 13 history teachers of GlenOak. He went to Malone University for five years studying in nursing at first and then changed his course and started the steps of being a social studies teacher.
Willett has always been passionate about learning new things and teaching them to others, with a strong interest in history and social studies.
“I love teaching with my students, and getting to know all of the different personalities that grow throughout the year,” Willett said.
Willett is also a study hall teacher, where he uses that time to plan new lessons and activities for his next class. He prefers his history classes more because he gets to stand up and walk around while teaching what he loves to his sophomore, junior and senior classes.
“I get to get up and teach what I love to students who also enjoy it,” Willett said.
Willett has spent extra time coming in on early mornings, working at home and planning periods to take the time to plan engaging lesson plans on what he wants his students to learn next.
Willett likes to start with his daily agenda and then tasks students with a reflection from last class. After he engages students in note taking, followed by partner work and then individual work.
Willett feels that his students enjoy his class and the effort he makes with the lessons and time he takes for his classes and his students agree. Sophomore Callie Snyder is a student of Willet’s who finds his class simple to engage in.
“I feel comfortable in his class with others and with the work as he helps encourage me to ask questions and always clarifies the assignment many times for others who don’t understand,” Snyder said.
Snyder feels the class is a safe environment to grow and learn in. She explains that Willett makes it easier for her to learn while also engaging with students in the halls
Dathon Holley is also another sophomore student in Willett’s class who finds his class “Chill” and a comfortable place to be. Willett has helped Holley out with hard assignments and questions he has. Holley sees Willett as a good teacher who also understands how to set boundaries with his students
“He is a cool teacher and he has limits and boundaries, a bit serious at times, but overall he is a good teacher and tries to help the best he can,” Holley said
Willet also coaches freshman football for GlenOak. He doesn’t find it hard coaching and teach because he finds the time for balance between the two of them.
“I don’t feel coaching interferes with my teaching because it’s after school and I find the balance between the two of them,” Willet said.
Willett feels the most challenging part about becoming a first-year teacher is the new content and the new school environment, but he says his students make it worth it.