Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Joshua
Friday, May 21st, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science high school welcomes a high school teacher who has a heart of gold, loves and cares for the Atoms as if they were his own children, let us introduce Mr. Joshua! Mr. Joshua is a Behavioral Specialist for the 11th and 12th grade Atoms, and he shares with us a very encouraging message for the students, his favorite book of all time, greatest accomplishment of all time and so much more. Without further ado, scroll down below to read our virtual interview with Mr. Joshua for this week's Teacher Spotlight.
Interview with Mr. Joshua
- What three traits define you? I believe the three traits that define me are hope, respect and love. I believe I am a "Hope shot" to our students. Each day I come to work, I am that strength of hope our students see throughout their day. I also believe in respect. I learned over the years that it is better to be respected than liked. People may like you but not respect you. This is something I encourage our students daily, the importance of respect. I also believe in love. I have learned that when you love something you are doing... you will never work another day in your life! I love our students, and all I want from them is to see them be successful in school, and out. I just do not say I love them, I show this love in my walk daily, and in how I treat them.
- What is your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment was helping two young men through high school, and then taking them both to college. In 2008 I was given the opportunity to adopt two teenage boys. These young men came from a group home. I was given the opportunity to bring them into my home, and assist them in graduating high school. After graduating high school, I was blessed to take these two young men off to college. You asked why this is my greatest accomplishment? Because these two young men listened to what I had to say and did something with the information.
- Best book you have ever read? The Envy of the World: On Being A Black Man In American by Ellis Cose.
- What is one thing you cannot resist?(food/dessert/candy/etc.) My Chunky Monkey Ice cream by Ben and Jerry.
- If you could have dinner with one person living or dead who would they be and why? I wish I could have dinner with my mother again. My mother passed away back in 2012 from cancer. I would love to sit down while we eat and have a conversation. I would share with her everything that has gone on in my life since she has been gone. I would tell her about our students, and just enjoy seeing her face, listening to her laugh, and getting the feedback from her.
- What advice would you give to kids who are struggling at school? I encourage students daily by telling them that I love them, and want them to be successful. I just don't say, I love them, and care about them in my words, but I also show them in my actions. I make home visits, and FaceTime our students on a daily basis because I want them to be successful. I let them know, getting their education is like a marathon! Sometimes you will find yourself getting tired. When this happens, stop and use the restroom, get you some Gatorade or water and let's get back in the race! The goal is to finish the race even when you find yourself struggling.... Never give up!
- Tell us, what is something that might surprise us about you? I am scared of heights ... but do not tell anyone!
