Richard Magee, ESOL Teacher, is already breaking down barriers his first year teaching at Chamblee High School.
He wants to help people in his English classes be able to connect with everybody here at Chamblee High School regardless of whether English is their first, second, or even third language.
He first went to Virginia Military Institute, then graduated from Xavier University for his Bachelor’s degree, West Virginia University for his Master’s degree, and Georgia State University for his specialist degree.
“I’ve taught in Japan as an English teacher, in the Dominican Republic, in Brownsville on the border with Matamoros, and I’ve taught in Florida and Atlanta Public Schools”, he says.
Out of all the places he taught, Magee’s favorite place to teach was Japan.
“I’d have to say Japan. They say if you’re a good ESOL teacher and you die, you don’t go to heaven—-you go to Japan,” said Magee.
Magee says Chamblee, like any school, is not without its flaws.
“I wish they could make the school bigger,” said Magee. His class is currently located outside in the trailers, rather than in the main building.
While Chamblee’s campus may have its restraints, Mr. Magee loves working with his students and his favorite part about Chamblee so far is their enthusiasm to learn.
Magee’s favorite assignment to give his students is a self introductory speech. He has his students stand up in front of the class and introduce themselves to their classmates in English.
Magee believes that the best way to introduce homework to his students who are just beginning to learn English is to introduce them to new books and websites.
“I play tennis. Probably eight hours a week. I just love it. My wife wants to have an intervention because she thinks I play too much,” said Magee.
He competes competitively in tennis leagues, such as double and singles leagues.
His hope to help coach the tennis team this year. Magee is planning on being the JV head captain.
Aside from playing tennis in his free time, Magee enjoys lifting weights and reading. His favorite genre of books is non-fiction and in that genre his favorite sub-section of nonfiction is biographies.
His advice for any new teacher starting on the first day of school is to make a connection with the students so that the learning environment is created and the learning can really begin.
