As the school year begins, Oratory will seem different to those who have gone to her before because the school is changing in many ways. An example of this being the new technology being used. However, to new students everything will all seem new at Oratory. One of the new things happening at Oratory is the hiring of new teachers. I interviewed Mr. Kaounis, the new freshmen English teacher, this past thursday, September 27, 2014. The purpose of this interview was to get a better understanding of Mr. Kaounis and the way he will teach me and my fellow students.

Michael:

How did you get interested in English?

Mr. Kaounis:

“I love to read and how when you read you create a world out of your imagination. There’s that creation and imagination to it.”

Michael:

What schools did you attend in order to teach?

Mr. Kaounis:

“ I went to Ramapo College for undergrad in 2008 and then Seton Hall University for graduate school in 2010.”

Michael:

How would you describe your teaching methods and overall pedagogy?

Mr. Kaounis:

“ It is important to get kids to have an interest in the topics they study. I try to relate the material to things in their lives, current events and items that interest them.”

Michael:

What do you most like about teaching English?

Mr. Kaounis:

“ I think what’s great about English is that there are multiple lessons to be learned from a work and that these lessons can impact students. I also like that you can have an open ended debate on the works that you are reading.”

Michael:

How do you feel about working at Oratory Prep?

Mr. Kaounis:

“ So far it has been great. The faculty and staff have been really welcoming and the students have a great attitude.”

Michael:

What inspires you to teach?

Mr. Kaounis:

“ I always look back to my high school career and how my teachers had a big impact on me. And I want to in turn be that positive influence on students and help them grow as people.”

Michael:

As an English teacher you go over many styles of literature. What is your favorite style of literature?

Mr. Kaounis:

“ I like very realistic works and very fictional works of literature, which are both polar ends of the sphere. I like realistic works like biographies and history books, because there is something to learn out of them. However I love fictional works like science-fiction and fantasy books, because of the impossible worlds that they can take you to.”

Michael:

As an English educator do you feel you need to reinvent your style of teaching continuously?

Mr. Kaounis:

“ As an educator you are constantly learning new things and improving yourself. The way we use technology at Oratory would be a good example of me learning new ways to teach, because I have had to integrate the technology into my classes.

Michael:

For my final question, do you have anything to say to our readers.

Mr. Kaounis:

“ Work hard during your high school years. Listen to all that your teachers are telling you. And experience all that you can like clubs and sports because this will allow you to grow and change.”

After interviewing Mr. Kaounis, I am certain that he will be great addition to the already experienced staff of teachers here at Oratory Prep. He seems like a great teacher who loves English. I am sure that the freshmen this year will have a great time analyzing works of literature and learning more about writing with Mr. Kaounis.