Brian Waters is the newest addition to the math team at De Pere High School. For the past two decades, he was one of two math teachers at his previous school before making the transfer to DPHS. He answered questions via in-person interview.
Q: What are your past teaching experiences?
A: I taught math at Neillsville High School for 22 years. It’s a little farming town by Eau Claire. There were 68 students in the graduating class in my final year there.
Q: Has math always been your favorite subject?
A: Yes. I also enjoyed science, but the lab areas are where I struggled a bit.
Q: How’s the school year going?
A: Very well! Everyone’s great. I thought the transition between schools would be tough, but it turned out to be the opposite, so I’m very grateful.
Q: Why did you choose high school? Is there anything you like about teaching high schoolers? Did you teach other ages?
A: I think high schoolers are like young adults, so it’s easier to talk with them about everyday stuff. I have nothing against elementary kids. I just prefer high schoolers since that’s where I’m certified to teach.
Q: Why did you want to become a teacher?
A: I was always good at math, and I discovered I was also really good at helping other students, so I tutored a lot in school.
Q: Did you always want to be a teacher, or did you have another profession in mind when you were in high school?
A: When I graduated high school, I wasn’t 100 percent sure what I wanted to do. I initially wanted to be an engineer but later found out that I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life.
Q: What qualities do you feel you bring to the staff and school?
A: I think I’m good at relating to people, or just talking to people in general.
Q: Which co-worker has helped you the most so far?
A: I have to name two, Venstrom and Gajewski. But the whole math team has been great!
Q: Where did you go to high school? And college?
A: I attended high school in Nekoosa, Wis. Then I went to UW-Platteville for engineering and finished at UW-Stevens Point.
Q: Were you a good student in school?
A: Yeah, I was. Again, tutoring was what made me realize I enjoyed teaching math to other students.
Q: Did you have a job when you were in high school?
A: I did not have a job while in high school. I did 3 sports – football, basketball and track (thrower and triple jump). Right after I graduated, I worked at the YMCA.
Q: What are your hobbies or interests outside of school?
A: I’m a big Wisconsin fan. I enjoy reading Stephen King, and I like fishing, too.
