1 minute read
Q&A with Mark Lichaj
How did you find yourself teaching at FWCD? Why did you choose FWCD?
Before coming to FWCD, I taught in Europe for seven years. When I decided to move back to the U.S., Texas was at the top of my list. There were several families and a few teachers I knew from the DFW area. When I asked them about good schools in North Texas, many mentioned FWCD. Lucky for me, FWCD had a chemistry position available! I had many job offers around the country, but I felt a connection with the teachers and the administration at FWCD during my interviews, so I picked FWCD. Very happy with my decision!
What led you to be a teacher?
Science is something I have always been interested in and was always my favorite subject, but teaching was not a career I had considered until after I graduated college [Loyola University Chicago]. My undergraduate degree is in biochemistry, and I had been planning to pursue something in medicine. After college, I decided to do something to give back. I entered a graduate program through Northwestern University to get a teaching certificate and teach in underprivileged schools in Chicago. At the time, I thought I would do that for two or three years and then go to medical school. After the first year of teaching, I knew this was what I was supposed to do with my life. My favorite course to teach is AP Chemistry. Twelve years later, I still love teaching!
How do you engage students in learning?
When I became a teacher, I would watch other teachers that students loved to learn from them and how I could become better, and I also reflected on the good teachers I had as a student. I saw a common theme among these teachers: They were passionate about their subjects, and they cared about their students. These are the same traits I try to bring to my teaching every day. I love chemistry; I think it is fascinating. My goal is to try and get students to feel the same way.
What do you love about FWCD?
What I love about FWCD is the sense of community that extends through the students, FWCD staff and families. From the day I arrived at FWCD, everyone was so welcoming and willing to help. I felt like I was part of the community from day one [fall 2021]. I have so many great memories in my short time here. My favorite so far is graduation. I have never been at a school where the seniors go through an entire receiving line of teachers after the ceremony. It is really touching to see students who have been at the School since Lower School embracing teachers they may have had years ago. I think it is a great way to send off the graduates.
