Student teaching 101 with Chris McDermott

Rachael Berthiaume, Staff Writer|March 18, 2014

If one is looking for a fresh new face at Algonquin then look down G hallway and you’ll find student teacher Chris McDermott temporarily living in G102. He has taken over a couple of classes and is learning how to apply what he learned in college in real life.
“I knew I wanted to teach history since my freshman year in college. I’ve always liked history, it’s my first choice and I’ve always been interested in education,” McDermott said.
This isn’t McDermott’s first year at Algonquin, but this year he has the pleasure of teaching World History to juniors at the college prep and honors level.
 “I was here last year with Mrs. Johnston and before that I was at Hudson teaching eighth graders. Two years ago I was at Forest Grove in Worcester one to two days a week,” McDermott said.
McDermott said he has grown with each teaching experience.
 “Mrs. Johnston has been very helpful in explaining the reality of teaching and how to reach out to the students in the right way. The students themselves at Algonquin have also been very helpful and cooperative,” McDermott said.
Although he likes teaching anything history related, McDermott said, “If I had to pick, I really like teaching US History II to sophomores.”
McDermott warns that teaching might not be for everyone, he said, “Just be sure you really want to do it; it takes a lot of work so make sure it’s worth it.”