By Cassidy Johnson
At first glance, AP teacher Mr. Russell may appear to exemplify a stereotype. Born in a small Southern town, sporting a thick Southern accent, and holding traditional Conservative values, it would be easy to confine this man to a preconceived box. Don’t make that mistake, though. Jerry Russell uses his many life experiences to maintain an open mind and reach any student, regardless of opinion. Walk into his classroom and you will see Mr. Russell lecturing at the front of the room; if you listen in he may not be discussing supply and demand or Otto von Bismarck. The teacher might be recounting some childhood experience, making a connection to the curriculum. This is what makes Mr. Russell such an intriguing educator–his tendency and ability to formulate connections to the content through situations that are relatable to students.
What do you teach?
I teach AP Macroeconomics, AP European History, and AP World History.
Have you ever taught anything else?
Yes, AP Geography, US History, Introduction to Film, some other stuff.
Did you have an occupation previous to teaching?
I was an accountant . . . For an airline, a car dealership, and I worked at a bank.
What made you want to add coaching onto the responsibilities of teaching?
When I got hired at AHS in 96-97, I was told I didn’t have to coach, but the following year a good friend, Meg Omainsky, asked me to help her with the AHS swim team. I initially did it for her and the money, but I really liked the kids and I’ve always loved the water. My family kayaks, jet skis, and boats. Over the years we started water polo teams and have really expanded the program. My own two children swam and played water polo all 4 years here at AHS. Coaching has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Do you have any experience in swimming or water polo?
No.
Do you have a style of teaching that differentiates you from other teachers? And if so, what is it?
I grew up in Church and my mother is a Pentecostal preacher–make sure you say Pentecostal–and most Pentecostal preachers teach by telling stories, and that’s the method I use in all my classes.
And what is something students should know about you before they enter your classroom?
[pauses] I like to laugh and have a good time, but I’m pretty serious about kids learning the material, and putting in a good effort. Because I think effort counts more than IQ.
And are you any different as a coach than as a teacher?
I used to try to be harsh as a coach, but it didn’t work for me. So I’m essentially the same person in both places.
How many years have you been teaching?
Umm…should be my 27th, we’ll just say my 27th year. Actually, say 28.
After teaching for 28 years how do you feel about the direction that the educational system is now going [with regards to extensive guidelines and standards]?
I think it’s good that we’re really focusing more on academics now than we used to, but I think it’s bad that we’re holding kids less accountable.