Editor’s note: Following is a question-and-answer feature to highlight educators in the Philomath School District. This installment features Len Cerny, science teacher at Philomath High School.
1. Where did you grow up?
“I moved around a lot — I was in my eighth school when I started seventh grade — but mostly Illinois and Maryland.”
2. How long have you been teaching?
“Since 1992.”
3. What jobs did you have before becoming a teacher?
“Railway civil engineer for Burlington Northern Railroad for three years, plus a few odd jobs, such as delivering pizzas for a couple months.”
4. Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why?
“I had several awesome teachers. I kept in touch with my ninth-grade English teacher until she died last year. She genuinely cared about my ideas and about her students as people.”
5. What made you want to be a teacher?
“I really enjoy helping young people succeed. And, it’s super fun when they get excited about science.”
6. How have kids changed over your career?
“The ones I taught my first year are now over 50. Obviously things like cellphones have changed some things, but I look at students as individuals not as groups. Each kid is different and has their own strengths and interests, and that has always been true.”
7. What is the most important thing about science you want kids to get from your class?
“Science is all around us. It’s pretty amazing how the world actually works. It’s also a super useful tool if you know how to use it.”
8. If you could change one thing about the current educational system, what would it be?
“More focus on what is most relevant and useful, and less concern with standardized tests.”
9. Do you have a favorite memory/anecdote about a kid at PHS?
“I really enjoy when students who previously thought they were bad at math or science, find success and start to realize that they can be good at it. I have had this happen with many students and I love it every time.”
10. What traits make a person a good teacher?
“Obviously a good teacher needs to care about kids, know their subject, and to be effective and enthusiastic about connecting with students while sharing the subject they teach. In addition, I think a really good teacher needs to be passionate about finding ways for all students to succeed. A good teacher finds ways to empower students to overcome barriers that get in the way of their success.”
Philomath students are so fortunate to have Mr. Cerny as a teacher. It is remarkable how many valedictorians each year name him as their greatest positive influence during their school years. Equally remarkable that many other students, including my own children, regard him the same way.