The new school year has begun, and TCS is thrilled to welcome its newest generation of members bringing tons of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to serve this campus.
Through engaging methodologies, personal connections, and diverse interests, these educators are set to make a lasting impression on students, inspiring values of character and belonging within the community. In recent interviews, Jake Landry, current Physics and AP Physics instructor, discussed how he works with students who struggle academically, emphasizing the importance of forming a strong relationship beforehand.
“We don’t learn from people that we don’t know. First, try to meet them [students] where they’re at. Just make friends with them first, get to know them a little bit, and then it’s way easier to teach them, ” Jake Michael Landry, said.
This philosophy aligns with the belief that building trust and understanding is essential in helping every learner thrive with a sense of purpose. Seeking new opportunities for professional growth was fundamental and motivated him to join TCS. In light of his previous experiences, Landry expresses a desire to step outside his comfort zone and embrace personal development by sending an application to a far-from-home foreign Colombian school.
“I wanted a new challenge. I was getting a little stagnant in my old school, and I was ready to interact with new people,” said Landry.
His lifestyle extends beyond his work life: this teacher enjoys all sorts of stories, regardless of whether they are written in books, movies, or even social media.
“I happen to love story time. So all the books that I read, all the stuff that I watch, it’s a lot of plot, character-driven stories,” Landry said.
This preference adds deepens his class environment, where imagination and theory are key to learning. When asked about the importance of his subject, Landry responded with humor. He details how science dictates every aspect of our lives, “Physics is everything, baby,” Landry replied.
His excitement for the subject is surely resonate with Jose Savido, the current Chemistry teacher and a student favorite in the HS community. For other teachers just starting at TCS, he offered some valuable advice.
“Give consequences for the behaviors that you don’t want to see,” Savido said.
Outside of teaching, this instructor also loves music, often turning his attention toward the newest tunes to recharge and handle stress.
“I love playing it. I play the violin and the piano, and I enjoy playing them both with others,” Savido said.
This affinity for melodic themes offers a glimpse into his balanced lifestyle that students can learn from. However, one thing is certain: our new teachers are ready to add warmth, creativity, and a positive dose of knowledge to the TCS. Students are eager to witness the positive impact they will have, as they settle in and continue forming future talents.
“Core beliefs guide my approach to learning. I believe that students should be learning by inquiry. They should be discovering things about science, and they should also be just explaining what they learned,” Savido said.