Q&A with the PTHS Teacher of the Year, Mr. Sutherland!

Mr. Sutherland receiving flowers from the administration team!

The results are in--Mr. Sutherland is the teacher of the year!! In honor of his award, PQ magazine has set up a Q&A with Mr. Sutherland to get an inside look at how he feels about winning!

Q: What does this award mean to you 

A: I am very honored. Whoever conducted the nomination process and threw my name in the ring, I am honored and humbled. I have told my classes that it is awesome to come to school every day and work in the science labs. I look forward to it every day. The teaching faculty is awesome, and I am honored to stand out.

Q: What qualities do you have that helped you win this award?

A: I am a very optimistic person. I believe in every student and what they can bring to the classroom. I want them to have success in my classroom and the school, and optimism plays a big part in that. For me, I have fun every day I come to school. I want my students to have fun when they sit in Chemistry. I understand it may not always be fun, but if you can give the extra push on fun, it is really rewarding. The other thing is to have students do science and labs as their learning process. That is how I design my classroom. Have labs, have fun, learn, and provide optimism. 

Q: What advice would you give to another teacher who is striving for this position?

A: Keep doing what you are doing, and have fun with it. Enjoy working with the students every day!

Q: Do you have any final thoughts?

A: This is my 3rd year here, and it's my third year teaching again after coming from administration. Being able to teach in the town where I reside, and be a part of the school community in this way has been a great and rewarding experience.

Q: What is your favorite type of flooring material?

A: Hardwood flooring, by far.