As part of Mr.Long’s Photojournalism class, students completed a short interview with different staff members of the district. Over the next few weeks we will highlight some of the staff who help make a difference in our student’s lives.
August Koester, ACHS Science teacher, Drama Club Sponsor (Interviewed by Lane Spring)
“Why did you become a teacher?”
In college, I started in engineering, but about half way through college, I realized I wasn’t enjoying the engineering curriculum. I found out I enjoyed helping people learn, so I decided to swap to education.
“Was Altamont your first choice?”
Nope, I originally taught in Charleston. I came here afterwards because I was teaching anatomy and biology there.
“You have a degree in anatomy and biology?”
Nope, I have a degree in teaching science. That covers all the sciences, but anatomy and bio just weren’t my thing.
“Have you ever regretted becoming a teacher?”
Not really. The joke answer is all the time because of the students, but not really. I enjoy teaching.
“Have you ever thought about being something other than a teacher?”
Yeah, early on in my college career, I was dead set on engineering. I was good at math and science and everyone good at math in science gets shoved into engineering.
“Is your red hair natural?”
Yes, I do not dye my hair and my red hair is getting less red on top.
“Have you ever thought about being a teacher overseas?”
I did for a while. Back when I was doing ROTC, I was looking at teaching at an army base because they have a program where you can go teach overseas at different army bases.
“What’s the best experience you’ve had as a teacher?”
I’ll pull from Charleston. After a particularly bad class, I had a student come in and draw me a picture. She said, “I know your favorite pokemon is Nidoking.” so she drew me a picture and wrote on it, “sorry about that”.