Back-to-School Teacher Highlights: Reed Lochamy
Reed Lochamy is more than just an educator. While his formal role may be “teacher,” he wears several hats: tennis coach, club sponsor, member of district-level committees, and now IB CAS Coordinator. While now he can’t imagine doing anything else for work, he did not start off in teaching.
Reed’s foray into teaching was provoked by his own experience growing up; he struggled to find enthusiasm in school. While he did have a handful of teachers who cultivated an engaging and meaningful experience, there was plenty of room for more. It’s from these early role models that he draws his aspirations.
Now as a teacher, he still feels this same enthusiasm but with added perspective:
“Now that I'm in the role myself, though, I have a much better appreciation for why there's such a small handful of teachers who manage to really excite their students about the experience. Suffice to say, it's an incredibly difficult job. I am happy to report, though, that as I continue working towards my goal, I'm honored to work with some fantastic educators who've already gotten to a level of efficacy that I hope, eventually, to reach myself.”
But his teaching is not one-sided; while Reed values his ability to aid students in their growth, he is also able to be “engaged on a daily basis as a learner alongside [his] students.” It’s because of this symbiosis that he cannot imagine doing anything else for a living.
When students leave his classroom, Reed has goals – both academic and personal - for them:
“From an academic standpoint, every student should leave my class knowing how to do two things: 1) analyze the craft of writing, reading beyond the surface level… and 2) put forth a compelling analytical argument of their own in a piece of writing… Outside of academics, though, I hope my students leave with the knowledge that they are valuable and capable and that they can accomplish impressive things if they're willing and able to be brave and confident and put forth their best effort.”
No matter the hat he dons, Reed remains a steadfast and committed advocate and mentor to his students.
When not in school, Reed (impressively) finds time to balance a variety of passions:
“My wife is an elementary school librarian, and she and I enjoy long-distance trail running together… I can be found spending time with my three dogs (two of which are good), playing golf or tennis, co-hosting a weekly radio talk show with my brother, or running a biweekly trivia game at the Diplomat Deli.”
“My wife is an elementary school librarian, and she and I enjoy long-distance trail running together… I can be found spending time with my three dogs (two of which are good), playing golf or tennis, co-hosting a weekly radio talk show with my brother, or running a biweekly trivia game at the Diplomat Deli.”Thank you, Reed, for your passion for teaching and for taking time out of your schedule to speak with us!