If there is one thing that best describes new science teacher Mr. Benjamin Share, it is most definitely his love for teaching. Mr. Share graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development last spring. He has also gained experience working in the education department at the National Air and Space Museum, teaching at summer boarding schools, and serving as an assistant teacher for four years at a local program for economically disadvantaged students. Mr. Share’s passion for teaching mainly stems from his love for chemistry and his desire to share it with others. He explained, “I really like working with other people, and I really enjoy the theory behind chemistry. I get really excited talking about it, and I like to see other people get excited about it.”
An aspect of PDS that captured Mr. Share’s attention from the very beginning was the school’s environmental sustainability program, as it was something that he had asked many schools about. PDS’s eco-friendly initiatives such as the practice of composting all food waste and having a low-impact day once a month at lunch aligned closely with his own values. He was interested in the school’s waste reduction effort, especially through the student-run compost program, which utilizes food scraps to nurture the garden. Not only was Mr. Share drawn to the environmentally friendly efforts of the school, but he was also captivated by the close-knit community. His first impression of PDS was how amazing the faculty and staff were, as well as the relationships between the students. He noticed how students and teachers alike created a strong community, cheering for each other at sporting events, and even collaborating on projects outside of school.
In his free time, Mr. Share enjoys indoor rock climbing, playing video games, and playing the violin. He has already attended a few rehearsals with the orchestra and hopes to join in whenever he has the chance.
A piece of advice he has for the students is: “Develop a growth mindset: You are learning, and it takes time to learn; it takes a lot of effort to learn, so you’re going to struggle sometimes. Accepting that you are going to become a better person throughout this whole process…[will make you] a much happier person.”
So the next time you come across Mr. Share walking in the hallways or playing the violin in the Fox Room, make sure to say “hi” and welcome him to PDS!
