April Teacher Feature: Mr. Fagan
Photo submitted by Fagan.
This UW-Whitewater alum started his teaching career here at Hamilton and now has six years with us. When not lovingly coaching tennis, supporting students through a difficult equation, or creating a great environment for every Hamilton student, Mr. Fagan enjoys playing tennis himself and bowling regularly (his highest score is 299). These sports are only some of the many he has participated in throughout his life. Now, he focuses on supporting his students, his sister—who is earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy this spring—and his parents, who have retired.
Read on to learn more about Mr. Fagan!
What got you interested in teaching?
Helping others. This job felt more purposeful than an office job.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would it be?
Take all things in life one day at a time. Whether you are learning a skill or trying to become something. It’s normal to question yourself or doubt yourself. Growth is never linear. It’s simple to say, but it’s stringing together as many good days in a row as you can to really see the growth. Be patient with yourself.
Is there anything you wish you had known as a first-year teacher?
I’ve blocked a lot of my first year out of my mind. I mean that as a joke, but I am serious. An answer similar to the previous question: I thought I would figure it out quicker. I still don’t think I have anything figured out. But, I definitely look like I do today.
Describe yourself in one sentence.
One word: positive.
What superpower would you like to have?
Invisibility.
If you won 100 million dollars, what would you buy first?
A house.
What weapon would you carry during the Zombie Apocalypse?
Baseball Bat.
Who would you team up with and why?
Friends and Family. Ride or die with the day-ones.
What would your perfect room/ classroom look like?
A comfortable space. Not comfy chairs, I mean more socially and emotionally
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
Mac Miller. I like his music. I never got to see him in concert before he passed.
What book or movie would you recommend to your students?
“Catch Me If You Can”
What is the weirdest thing you have done to get your students’ attention?
I have an unfortunate tendency to say things out of pocket. It gets people's attention. It’s due to get me into trouble.
What is the best advice you have received?
To be grateful. Even in very low moments, there’s always something to be grateful for.
What fictional character best represents you?
Neville Longbottom
Who are your teacher besties?
Mr. Wunschel and Mr. Tennessen.
What’s the funniest or most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you as a teacher?
I ripped my pants early in the day and had to teach the rest of the day. I tried to pretend it didn’t happen, but it most certainly did.
What’s your favorite place on earth?
On top of a mountain.
What’s your favorite food?
Pasta.
What Crayola Crayon color are you? (The more specific the better!)
Sunset Orange.
Are there more wheels or more doors in the world? Why?
Doors. My natural instinct is to hide rather than move forward.
