by Samantha Ubertini and Michelle Psaltakis, staff reporters  

Mr. Nisonoff co-teaches 7th grade math and humanities,  8th grade enrichment  and 12th grade resource room.

1.    What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have wanted to work with students for a long time and it’s always been my [belief] that teaching is the most direct way to help students learn the ins and outs of school.

2.    Why did you choose to teach this subject?

All too frequently students with disabilities get the short end of the stick. It’s wrong.  I think that they deserve the same amount of respect and attention as everyone else.

3.    What makes you different from all the other teachers?

I don’t know that I am different, but a good teacher should be someone that is committed and knows that there are a lot of little things that get in your way, and know that you cannot be committed to money. You should know that its not all about the money, and you need to know that there will be problems throughout the year.

4.    What teacher had impacted your life when you were in school?

My 6th grade homeroom teacher was a terrific teacher. I was having problems at home, and she became someone I could talk to about what was going on, and that was her. She was what I thought a teacher should be. Someone you can go to talk to.

5. Do you have any secret talents? If so. what are they?

I don’t know if you can call them talents. I was a good football player back in the day and I have played the guitar for a while.

6.What sacrifices have you made since being a teacher?

I would say giving much more time than I thought it would ever take. Time and Money. There’s never enough supplies in school so we have to pay for it from our own pockets. There’s such a level of commitment and dedication. It takes patience, a lot of patience.

7. How many years have you been a teacher?

I’ve been teaching for 9 years.

8. Has being a teacher changed who you are? For better or worse?

It’s changed who I am, and definitely for the better. I find that working with students keeps me feeling young, and it helps me remember what I went through as a student and how I can help them. Elders often forget what students go through and I still remember it all. I am able to relate to them and help them through everything.

9. What do you believe the ups and downs of being a teacher are?

There are a ton of different expectations you have to make every day. You have to fight every battle and there are so many curriculum changes that you have to make changes for.

10. Have your students impacted you as a teacher?

Yes, always. Students teach teachers more than teachers teach students. We’re learning every day about how to teach, from our students.There’s nothing like getting in front of a group of students and learning what works and what doesn’t work.