We often view teachers solely in the context of the classroom, but have you ever wondered about their lives outside of school?
Many of us at TCS perceive our teachers as ordinary individuals, but as we delve deeper into their lives, we realize they are more than just educators; they lead fascinating lives.
This becomes evident through their diverse hobbies. Some TCS teachers engage in sports like tennis, basketball, or hiking, while others immerse themselves in art, such as photography or music.
“Many students don’t realize that outside of school, we teachers pursue various activities. Some of us even have side businesses based on our hobbies, while others simply enjoy these activities for personal fulfillment and to explore our passions,” Felipe Naranjo, Psychology Teacher, stated.
For instance, many teachers leverage their hobbies to connect with students on a personal level, believing that shared interests foster meaningful connections beyond the academic realm.
“Several students and I frequently discuss tennis, building a rapport through this shared interest. During winter break, I even played tennis with a ninth-grade student, which was quite enjoyable,” Bill Beauchamp, Physics and Biology Teacher said.
Moreover, some teachers believe that their hobbies influence their teaching style, making learning more enjoyable for both themselves and their students. They integrate teaching materials with their hobbies to facilitate better understanding.
“I often incorporate music-related activities into my classes, such as using music videos to explain topics or encouraging students to find songs that relate to our discussions. These activities allow me to infuse music and art into the classroom as means of conveying knowledge,” Naranjo stated.
In addition to enriching their personal lives, some teachers use their hobbies as side hustles, generating extra income while also integrating the skills they acquire into their teaching methods. This entrepreneurial mindset aims to empower students in pursuing their own entrepreneurial endeavors.
“I believe that engaging in a side hustle, particularly in photography, entails more than just taking pictures. It embodies an entrepreneurial spirit, teaching valuable lessons in pricing, boundaries, work ethic, and client communication. I aim to impart these skills to my students, showing them that they can be successful entrepreneurs using their hobbies, such as photography, to raise awareness and income,” Andrew Shainker, Journalism Teacher, said.
