Each month, The Falcon Cry staff decides on two teachers they believe have gone above and beyond, and should be recognized for their hard work. This month, one of the teachers who has demonstrated their best qualities and who I got the pleasure of interviewing is Sean Addington, one of the two 8th grade ELAR teachers here at Lively.
Addington has now been teaching for a total of 7 years, and it’s all been at Lively. He attended the University of Houston-Clear Lake campus and received a Bachelor’s degree in History. While being an 8th grade ELAR teacher, Addington has certifications for all main subjects between grades 4-8, and a certification for ESL teaching. His inspiration to first become a teacher and a better person in general came from his dad; another being a student he taught during his first year at Lively, whom he’s kept contact with even after moving on to high school. “It’s inspired me and really reaffirmed for me that I’m actually doing something right, because I have a kid that still thinks back to when I taught them in 6th grade, and they’re using some of the things I taught them to succeed over at Austin High,” said Addington.
Before this year, Addington had only taught 6th grade ELAR. He felt that his teaching style was geared better towards 8th grade students, and once he heard of the opportunity to move up and work closer with the capstone project, he immediately applied, leading to his current position. Additionally, Addington says his favorite part about teaching at Lively specifically is the bonds he creates with his colleagues, however, along with teaching he says that the worst thing is having to listen to students complain about the things handed to them for free.
Beyond the classroom, Addington enjoys hobbies such as 3D printing, playing video games and annoying his dog. He also hosts three after-school club activities, those being: Anime, Star Wars and origami. “I chose each of those because they are all something I’m passionate about or enjoy watching and I know a lot of kids enjoy Anime and Star Wars on campus, so I thought that would be a good place for kids who enjoy those medias to get together and hangout,” added Addington.
Many of his students, such as 8th grader Tosh Haley, claim “He’s very energetic and funny, and he’s also very engaging with the students.” Others say he has a way with humour and creating fun but effective lessons. One of his close colleagues, Ms. Mau, generally agrees with the students and describes his best qualities as, “generous, kind and considerate of others.”
Overall, Addington is an incredible teacher who has a way with fostering a safe and FUN learning environment. To end things off, Addington says that after working with 8th graders for the first time this year, he looks forward to continuing to teach 8th grade next year.
