Herald Head of the Class 2021: Benedict Tieniber, Lynbrook High School

Why did you become a teacher? 

My desire to help others has always been strong.  I attended Islip High School and recall many teachers who really cared about their students and extended themselves beyond the classroom to help those in need.  I knew I would be that same kind of teacher.  I am especially grateful to Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Franz for going the extra mile to help students.  I benefited from their passion and assistance.

Tell us about a teacher that inspired you as a student.

My 12th grade Math Teacher, Mr. Jason Franz, inspired me to become a teacher. He genuinely cared for his students' and took time out of his day to check in on all of us even if it was not math-related. He would teach the same problem in varied ways ensuring all students had the correct understanding.  

What did you experience or learn about teaching—yourself, your students, the process, etc.—during the pandemic that you think you will carry forward?

I learned we are all more resilient than we believe, that together we could make anything possible.

What's the most memorable thing a student has said to you?

A week ago, one of my senior year students wrote to me, "when I begin my teaching career, I hope to be exactly how you were, inspiring the youth, and building relationships with my students and helping them become better versions of themselves. I love how all you want to do is help and change lives. That's exactly what I want to do too." 

What has been your toughest challenge as a teacher so far?

Teaching through this pandemic has been the toughest challenge since it reshaped teaching methods for all.  We had to embrace change quickly, incorporate it effectively, and still look to establish strong connects with all our students. 

What has been your proudest moment as a teacher so far?

I was pleasantly surprised and honored to find out I was a PTA Founder's Award recipient.  This is a big deal in the community I work within and I was nominated for it without my knowledge.  It was an honor to be recognized in such a special way and then treated as a VIP from the PTA for an entire week leading up to the presentation of the award. 

Another was when I successfully completed the 206th miles of my running streak in honor of the class of 2020.  We had 206 seniors graduate last June and since they were deprived from so much, I decided to run a mile for each of them.  It was a lot on my body, yet I have run marathons and I ran these miles over the month of May.  I finished my final six miles in Lynbrook escorted by the Lynbrook Police Department.  Community members, students, and colleagues cheered me on as I finished.  It was a very moving experience.

What surprised you the most when you first started teaching?

How much you learn once you begin.  There are certain things teachers come across on a daily basis that cannot be taught though a textbook.  Each student is uniquely different and at times you have to continuously change your modality of teaching.  Teaching requires you to be a multitasker.  You have several things going on at once at any given time.

How do you keep students engaged and interested?

I look to develop new and exciting lessons presenting the most up to date topics in business.  I pull in current events and situations that students can relate to and ensure that most of my lessons are project-based.

What is an aspect of being a teacher that you think most people outside the profession don't know or fully understand?

I don't think most people realize our day isn't defined by hours.  Students and families are in constant communication with us and we are often grading in the late hours of the night, weekends, collaborating with colleagues and developing curriculum over the summer months.

What advice do you have for aspiring teachers?

Never give up. Some days are longer than others, some days are tougher than others, yet it is all worth it in the end.  

What is the most important thing you hope a student takes away from your class?

I always hope students leave with real life knowledge and the life skills needed to prepare them for their future.  I try to instill empathy in every one of my students.  I want them to know that no dream is too big or goal too small.