Mr. Shuman Interview

Written by David L. ‘28

Professional/Background Questions:

1. Where did you grow up and attend school?

1. I grew up in New York City --- Washington Heights. I went to Allen-Stevenson, then the Berkshire School in Massachusetts, then St. Lawrence University in New York and the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York.

1. What inspired you to become a teacher?

1. I was lucky to have excellent teachers growing up, and I hated working in an office environment. 

2. How long have you been teaching?

1. Since 2005

3. What subjects/grades have you taught previously?

1. Grades 7-12 --- I taught History of Sports, History of Rock and Roll, Civil War and Reconstruction, Revolutions, Study Skills, and Creative Writing. 

4. What do you love most about teaching?

1. Seeing students work on becoming the best versions of themselves. 

5. What's the most rewarding experience you've had as an educator?

1. Hearing from former students about the impact I’ve had on them

Getting to Know Them Personally:

1. What are your hobbies outside of teaching?

1. Reading and playing the bass.  

2. Do you have any pets?

1. None.

3. What's your favorite book or type of literature?

1. Harpo Speaks.

4. What kind of music do you enjoy?

1. Rock and Roll.  The louder the better. 

5. If you weren't a teacher, what career would you have chosen?

1. Stand-up comedian.

Fun "Would You Rather" Questions:

1. Would you rather teach in a classroom underwater or in a treehouse?

1. Treehouse.

2. Would you rather have the ability to read students' minds or be invisible?

1. Invisible. I don’t need to, nor do I want to, read students’ minds. 

3. Would you rather grade papers for a week straight or give a 3-hour lecture without breaks?

1. Three-hour lecture

4. Would you rather have unlimited school supplies or unlimited coffee?

1. COFFEE

5. Would you rather be able to speak every language or play every musical instrument?

1. Speak every language.  

Playful Ice Breaker Questions:

1. What's the most unusual thing in your desk drawer?

1. A mini 3D printed rhino.

2. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?

1. Malcolm Young.

3. What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you in a classroom?

1. I’ve been lucky enough not to have anything embarrassing—though maybe I’m old and have suppressed these events. 

4. If you could instantly become an expert in any skill, what would it be?

1. Teaching boys how to learn.