April Teacher Feature: Mr. Nick Roth
Photo submitted by Mr. Roth
Evan Rosenau
This month’s teacher feature is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and Viterbo University, with both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Mr. Nick Roth began teaching in 2009 at Waukesha West before moving to Hamilton in 2010, where he’s stayed for 15 years. He lives with his wife and fellow educator, Ms. Whitney Roth, and their three children: Declan, Leo, and Kieran. The Roths love sports, the outdoors, live music, and restaurants, travelling whenever possible.
Now, some fun questions:
What got you interested in teaching?
I had two teachers in middle and high school that were really impactful on me. One was a History teacher and the other was a Science teacher. While I enjoyed both of their classes, it was them—as people—that really made an impact. If I can serve this community half as well as they have served theirs, I’ll be happy.
What would students be surprised to know about you?
I tell my students a lot about myself, so I’m not sure how much would be surprising. I will say, though, that there was a large stretch of my life where I was really pessimistic. Maybe I still am, at times, but I have put a lot of work into myself to be better. Life experience and hard work have also shaped my perspective in a positive way.
What song do you know all the lyrics to?
With three young kids at home, I’m embarrassed to say that they’re mostly songs for young kids.
Describe yourself in one sentence.
I enjoy being around people and am willing to do and try just about anything.
What superpower would you like to have?
I grew up loving Gambit, who had the ability to manipulate kinetic energy. That seems cool.
If you won 100 million dollars what would you buy first?
A French château.
What’s your claim to fame?
I used to play softball with a bunch of friends. Over the course of several seasons we kept a record of the amount of ‘stolen bases’ each of us had. One stolen base was equal to one wing eaten. I led our team one season and averaged 30 stolen bases per game. I love wings.
What skill would you like to master?
Parenting.
What would your perfect room/ classroom look like?
22 students, tables, a larger screen, more European art on the wall, a self-serv carbonated beverage dispenser, a pizza oven, and a larger bank of windows that I could open when I wanted.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
As a history guy, this is an impossible question. I’ll choose two of the many I’d love to meet. 1) John Muir. I think it’s unbelievably impressive that he was able to convince President Teddy Roosevelt (another person I’d love to meet) to begin the National Park System. He was able to accomplish this when Roosevelt asked Muir to accompany him on a short camping trip to Yosemite Valley. In just a few days, Muir was able to convince the President to secure the most unique lands in America for the people. 2) Peter the Great. Peter the Great was one of the first Romanov monarchs (late 17th c.) and he was effectively the guy that brought Russia into the European spotlight. He paved the way for Russia to become a major player in Europe and, over 400 years later, we’re seeing Russia’s reactions to circumstances that stem from PtG’s reign.
What book or movie would you recommend to your students?
One of my favorite historical fiction books of all time is, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. It’s historical fiction and is set during the period of the Russian Revolution in the early 1900s. One of my favorite non-fiction books of all time is, No Good Men Among the Living: America, the Taliban, and the War through Afghan Eyes by Anand Gopal. It’s a true story of an Afghan-American guy who goes back to Afghanistan, post 9/11, to understand why/how the Taliban is able to secure such a hold over the population.
What is the best advice you have received?
Meet challenges head-on, even when it’s uncomfortable.
What fictional character best represents you?
No clue…
What Crayola Crayon color are you? (The more specific the better!)
Forest Green—it goes well with my pale skin and strawberry blonde hair
Are there more wheels or more doors in the world?
Wheels. No question. The Roth household alone has more wheels on Hot Wheels cars than my neighborhood has doors. Also, I’m sure there are a lot of cheese wheels out there.
What weapon would you carry during the Zombie Apocalypse?
A battle axe. Up close and personal for zombies.
Who would you team up with during this apocalypse and why?
My buddy Wade. He’s a do-it-all kind of guy.
If you could go back in time to your childhood, what age would you pick to go back to and why?
Each period of my life was different. The innocence of being a young kid in elementary school, the freedom that went with getting my driver’s license during high school, and the minimal responsibility that went with college… I’m happy where I’m at, though.
What do you wish you’d invented?
I have so many inventions in my head. I’ll have a patent before I die.
