Teacher Spotlight - Mr.Blocker

December 4, 2024  Mr.Blocker was elected as the teacher of the week for his “clear communication with parents and students”[sic] as expressed by Liberty Magnet Principal, Mr.Watson.  Mr.Blocker predominantly teaches English 3 literature and English lll/IV Dual enrollment to juniors. 

 

Interview: 

 

Dajah: What inspired you to become a teacher?

 

Mr. Blocker: Just an interest in it. Always thought it had potentially to be a good fit for me. I enjoy the content too, like literature. It was a combination of playing into the strengths I had and curiosity about how it would work out. 

 

Dajah: What's the most rewarding moment you experienced as a teacher?

 

Mr.Blocker: It's hard to pick a singular moment but generally those lesson plans that resonate and hit how they are supposed to hit. Where you have the students genuinely interested in what you’re teaching and at the end of it understanding what you taught. That is a very rewarding experience. A class that goes well and the students did actually grow and learn by the end of it. 

 

Dajah: What do you hope students take away from your class?

 

Mr.Blocker: The power of language and power of their language specifically. The impact word choices can have. And a better appreciation of both the utility and culture that is around the English language. 

 

Dajah: Did you always know you wanted to teach English and the eleventh grade? 

 

Mr.Blocker: Specifically juniors no but english yes. English was always my strongest subject. Typically my favorite subject in school and I always liked the aspect of breaking down stories, speech, and language and seeing how it works. 

 

Dajah: How do you collaborate with other teachers to enhance your lesson plans

 

Mr. Blocker: I frequently ask for input assistance from other teachers. Especially borrowing from them if there is material they have used or if there is a lesson or activity that they have done that worked out from them it's always great when you have access to it. Whether it's borrowing material, lesson plans, or them showing me new applications I can use for my lessons. 

 

Dajah: How do you feel about being selected as the teacher of the week?

 

Blocker: I am flattered to be chosen as the Shining Star of the week. It was unexpected, and to be honest I don't quite know what to do with the attention. But it is nice to know that my work is appreciated.

 

Once again congratulations to Mr.Blocker for being LMHS teacher spotlight of the week December 2-6.