Gearing into his first very first year at NAHS, physics and Earth Space/Science teacher Christopher Chancey prepares to transform a boring experience into a fun and engaging one.
“I would describe myself as very energetic, fun loving, easygoing,” he said. “But I can be strict when I need to be.”
This is not only his very first year at NAHS teaching, but it’s also his first experience being a teacher. Only recently had he graduated from Indiana University Southeast, transferring from Campbellsville University, with a general studies degree with a specialization in math and science.
“What inspired me to become a teacher is just the students,” he said. “I want to help the students as much as I can. I want to help them in a way that they know what is going on, why this stuff matters.”
From the moment he started his degree, he said he knew one thing he really loved was science. His college degree helped him to gain an understanding and background of the subject, and he got experience with science over the years. When he heard about NAHS, he decided to hone in on his understanding of physics to get the job he wanted.
During his college years, he says he also formulated his idea that he wanted to be a teacher. He saw many students and experienced it himself, and with his passion for physics, he really wanted to help.
“I wanted to come here because of its long standing history,” he said. “It’s one of the oldest high schools I’ve ever seen, and I’ve only heard good things about it. I want to add to that.”
Through applying, he was able to reach that goal. Not only did he get a job in physics, but he also got to teach ESS to students. He also likes to work out a lot, and so he got coach football here.
“I really believe in active learning and kinesthetic learning, getting up and moving instead of just sitting down doing lectures,” he said. “I try to implement activities and real world application stuff, as much as I can.”
Chancey really emphasizes he just doesn’t make his students sit through long lectures. He wanted to connect with the students, make something fun so they have an appreciation for physics. So he tries to incorporate activities that get you up and moving.
“The way that I teach is I usually lecture and I try to relate it back to a real world concept,” he said. “And I try at least once to get the kids up and moving doing something every day.”
When he does have to do lectures, he even differentiates for most too. He understands students won’t listen if he just drones on with notes – so he says he tries to grab their attention. He relates back concepts, which helps students understand why things are important. If this wasn’t incorporated, they wouldn’t know why this stuff really matters.
However, even if he has been here for a bit, he has had some of his expectations for being a teacher change.
“I thought it [was going to] be a lot easier than it actually is,” he said. “I thought that teaching would just be me going up and talking and doing stuff for 45 minutes. There’s a lot more that goes into it, though.”
Even though he had initial expectations for teaching, reality has been helpful but also odd compared to what he thought it would be. He’s not been entirely sure what to do, but he is adapting as he goes.
