Many students choose to neglect their elective classes, even ones that offer course credit, because they do not view them as “real” classes, but rather “blow offs” or “easy As.” These students tend to miss out on the value and enjoyment that can come from truly absorbing the content of an elective. Teachers offering these classes face the unique challenge of simultaneously having to engage the uninterested students while nurturing those already excited about the content. One teacher who has risen to meet this challenge is Hauppauge’s own Ms. Minder.

Ms. Minder began at Hauppauge as a leave replacement for Mrs. Molinelli. She was nervous to begin in this role as it is very much “jumping into the teaching position.” “Some students treat you like a sub,” she stated, “but overall it’s not too different.” Ms. Minder teaches the elective science course Anatomy & Physiology as well as Regents Biology.

Minder appreciates the individuality of high schoolers. She explains that her favorite part of teaching is “Getting to connect with and know students. Everyone is different, and every student has their own take on what we’re learning.” Minder began teaching in part due to her love of science and desire to share that passion with young people, which is why she loves seeing how students interpret the knowledge she shares. 

Students are not the only ones celebrating teacher appreciation this week. Ms. Minder pointed out that she was inspired to pursue teaching by her own high school science teacher. This just goes to show how influential a teacher can be in a student’s life and the ways teachers shape who we become.