Most successful sports teams encounter a time in their season that to find their winning ways they must get back to the basics. Getting back to the basics is exactly what new math teacher Mr. Mertes brought up when I interviewed him. Times have changed, but math hasn’t.
“In math it seems like we have gotten away from basics; it’s setting us back a little bit,” stated Mr. Mertes. Mr. Mertes has taught at large public schools but prefers the personal attention that intimate St. Edward provides. Mr. Mertes took a page from Ron Burgundy when he said, “The students are extremely respectful, they are responsible, and very classy.” He shared valuable advice to students that worry or deal with anxiety. “Sometimes the worst thing in your life can become the best thing in your life. Try not to panic over something that goes bad.”
He’s a big fan of ‘80s music and enjoys vacationing in Florida. When Mr. Mertes wants a good laugh, he will turn on The Big Bang Theory. It brightens his mood immediately. This year, Mr. Mertes is looking forward to teaching math again. In the past, Mr. Mertes worked with technology but was ready to get back at it with the subject he loved.
