By Roman McDonald
In great teachers’ classes students never have a dull moment. Long-time Shreve teacher Jason McInnis is one of those teachers. Mr. McInnis has been teaching English and Global Insights at Shreve for 14 years. This year however, Mr. McInnis has taken on a new role, teaching Philosophy and Comparative Politics.
“A lot of people think philosophy is highly academic and has nothing to do with daily life, so I’m trying to make it applicable to daily life where people see that we actually do philosophy everyday. You think about something, that’s philosophy”, said Mr. McInnis.
As many of his students that have had him before know, his class discussions were always a great way to connect with each other, and learn how other students see situations differently. Teenagers are on the edge of stepping into that terrifying adult life, so when they feel as if they are going to use a skill outside of class it excites them to come to class. Having open discussions prepares them how to respect others and their opinions, to learn new things, and to know how to take and give conducive criticism when needed. Having skills like that outside of the classroom are essential to truly appreciating life, which is why McInnis’ open discussions are truly amazing.
With every change comes some challenges. Gathering the material and putting new plans together is one of those challenges McInnis is facing right now with the start of a new school year. “The hardest part is that I had everything set up for Global Insights. I’ve got years of lessons, years of Powerpoints. Now I am switching over and preparing this curriculum.”
Mr. McInnis feels that he will enjoy teaching Liberal Arts compared to Global Insights and English. “There’s a freedom in this that I don’t think I had when I taught English and when I taught Global Insights.” Consider the fact that for Liberal Arts there really isn’t a state-set curriculum, this allows Mr. McInnis to really do his own thing with the approach of how he wants to give out the material that’s being taught. “In this course, I’m more free to move things around as I see fit, and to see where my students are.”
When asked if he thought that subjects like these might help students who face social anxiety to speak out in the classroom more often. “At least the way I try to teach, yes… I understand social anxiety, I understand being introverted.” He feels he has seen students that he expected to be more quiet participate in the discussions during class. This has shown him that his teaching style and interest in the subject allows some students to break out of their comfort zone.
Mr. McInnis recognizes that some students do struggle with social anxiety and problems of being introverted. He allows his students to freely talk to him. If a student feels uncomfortable to participate in front of the class, McInnis wants them to tell him so that he will know when it’s right or not to call on them. He is a teacher that truly cares about how students feel and behave as young adults.
As a teacher who encourages students to face challenges and recognize triumphs, build life skills, and enjoy freedom, Jason McInnis shows that he truly cares for his students. The overall experience of having him as a teacher is an opportunity to experience greatness.