February Teacher Feature: Mr. Weiss

Photo submitted by Mr. Weiss.

Evan Rosenau

A physics machine, Hamilton legend, and fabled resident of room  S-1, Mr. Weiss has taught Hamilton for around a decade. It was his first full-time teaching position after graduating from Ripon College, the “Harvard of the Midwest.” When he isn’t teaching, he loves to spend time with his two daughters, River and Winter, as well as with his wife. 

Get to know him more:

What would your perfect room/classroom look like?

My room if someone came and organized and cleaned it for me.

What would you change about Hamilton and why?

I would like more teacher and student input on important decisions.

Are there more wheels or doors in the world? Why?

Doors because it's the right answer.

What Crayola Crayon color are you? (The more specific the better!)

Idk what Crayola I’d be, but my favorite color is green because it’s the middle of the visible spectrum.

If you could trade classrooms with any teacher at Hamilton, who would it be and why?

I have too much lab stuff stored in my room. The thought of changing rooms gives me nightmares.

If you weren't teaching, what would you do?

I was on the path to be an actuary before I somehow steered off path into teaching…  If you have taken my class you probably have heard the story.

Describe yourself in one sentence.

That science teacher who utilizes memes.

What unsolved mystery do you wish you knew the answer to?

Why do students think socks and sandals are an acceptable thing to wear every day?

What’s your favorite college memory?

Plead the 5th.

What’s the funniest or most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you as a teacher?

I swung from a bowling ball pendulum (to demonstrate a key physics concept), and the rope broke….  I have retired from doing that demonstration for now.

What skill would you like to master?

Being organized.

What’s your favorite place on earth?

Wherever my family is.

How do you think students will remember you or your class?

Hopefully they remember a challenging course but a class that was fun at the same time.  

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would it be?

Focus on the now. High school goes quick, and you often can’t wait for it to be over.  Understandably, you are worried about your future and life after high school.  However, you have to find joy in the day-to-day grind, make some good relationships, and develop your skills so you can be successful in the future.  You will make a lot of important decisions when you are getting ready to leave this place, but as long as you put time into yourself and happiness, any decision will be the right one.