Mark Botta, Inspiring math students to reach that “lightbulb” moment, sometimes singing

Warwick alum Mark Botta has been teaching math at Warwick Middle School for six years, and coaches the modified football team and JV lacrosse.

By Molly Colgan

Tell us about your best day on the job:

My absolute best day of teaching came just a few weeks ago. I have a seventh grade class full of students with amazing, bright personalities, and one student decided to sing her answers to the class. Before we knew it, everyone was singing their answers – including the virtual students at home. It was so silly and ridiculous, but it reminded me why I love middle school so much. The kids were being kids, but we were practicing a critical math skill. Everyone was smiling and laughing throughout the lesson, but a lot of learning was happening.

Tell us about the past year at school – the good and the bad:

The past year has been weird to say the least. I think it just reminded me the importance of staying flexible, and making the most of any situation.

Even though there have been some challenges, the kids have been awesome. They’re working through some crazy circumstances, and they’re still bringing their personalities into the classroom each day.

What’s the secret to being a great teacher?

Great teachers need to practice what they preach - they need to stay humble, learn from others, and recognize their own strengths and weaknesses each day. Every teacher has lessons that fall short of what they envisioned, but it’s important to recognize when it falls flat and learn from it.

What motivates you?

I have always enjoyed learning and sharing what I have learned with others. Teaching can be challenging because often times, students don’t think the same way as I do, which means I have to take the content and explain it different ways. It’s incredibly motivating when I can help my students reach that lightbulb moment where it all clicks for them.

What made you want to be a teacher?

I know this sounds a little cliché, but teachers can have such an impact on the future generation. If we don’t like what we see on the news, I think teachers are in a position to help change the world for the better. As much as I want my students to be strong math students, I really want them to establish a strong work ethic with a good attitude and strong morals.