In what will be an ongoing series, PantherNation will interview various teachers around the school. Teachers obviously play a huge role at ISB, but not everyday do we get to find out more about what they’re like outside of school. For this long talk, PantherNation decided to talk to english teacher Mr. Werner.

Werner: This is my 3rd year as an English teacher at ISB. In my spare time, however, I am writing the great American novel about all the hilarious things high school students say and do in an English classroom.

Werner: I was born in the Philippines, but like every good teacher, I come from Minnesota. It is actually too cold to teach there — so I have transported my lessons to Israel, Tanzania, China, and now Nichada.

Werner: One of my very first jobs was as a garbage man on an Israeli Kibbutz.  I loved that job because I got to meet all kinds of people and dig through their trash.  I would do that job again in a heartbeat, though I will not, because I love this job just as much.

Werner: The most important aspect of English class is love.  The love of literature, love of life, of dialogue, of empathy towards our fellow human companions.  On our own, we can teach ourselves anything we want to learn. But when we come together in English class we create love.

Werner: Always use your powers for good — never for evil.