Faculty Interview: Mr. Doug Cioffi '97

A FEW MINUTES WITH

MR. DOUG CIOFFI ’97

When and how did you end up teaching at Kellenberg Memorial?

I started teaching at KMHS in September of 2001. I submitted my resume and got a phone call in August about an open position. So my first year I taught American History to the eighth grade and Scripture to the ninth grade.

What have you taught and moderated/ coached during your time here so far?

I have taught a number of classes while here at KMHS, mainly in the religion and history departments. I have taught scripture, eighth-grade religion, and church history. Within the history department I have taught American History 8, European History, and American History I. I even taught one year of freshman typing. In terms of after-school, my life has been very busy. When I started 21 years ago, I got involved in the PREP program and have been assigned to five parishes over the last 20 years. The main activity I was involved in early here at KMHS was Speech and Debate. For seventeen years I ran the program after Mr. Benintendi. I have lots of great memories and students from those years. Since 2009, I have been involved in the baseball program, most recently as a coach on the varsity staff. Go Firebirds! More recently I have been involved with the social media coverage of the school. I see myself as having my own AAA. I help to manage the ARK, ATHLETICS and ALUMNI social media. Photography has become a big part of my life at KMHS as well. I’ve been taking pictures for events and sports, as well as moderating the Latin School Photography Club. After ten years on traffic supervision, I am back in the building on Mondays with my sophomore sodality. This year, I became a moderator of our newest club, One Heart, One Mind, Many Cultures, where we get to learn about our students and their distinct heritages and backgrounds.

What is your favorite thing about teaching at Kellenberg Memorial?

There are so many great things about teaching at KMHS. Honestly, it is very hard to pick just one. The support from the Marianist Community and the administration is unmatched. They allow you to be who you are in the classroom and let you “spread your own wings.” It is also so great to be able to share your faith with your students with all the great activities we have throughout the year. And lastly, the students here at KMHS are special. You really get to know your students on a personal level and they are so respectful and just a joy to be around.

What is so unique about an education that impacts both the heart and the mind?

Being involved in so many elements of the school allows me to really get to know and understand my students in the classroom and after school. Not every lesson has to be the facts of a Civil War battle or on the Declaration of Independence. There are times when just a simple conversation in class about current events really or anything at all is more appropriate to truly engage the students. At Kellenberg I feel we all see our students, our club members, and our student-athletes as a whole. There is so much more going on at KMHS than just homework, tests, and quizzes.

What do you hope to instill in your students?

The first thing I always say in September is, “History is fun.” I want my students to come into class looking forward to the topic of the day. I also want them to feel comfortable enough to participate and engage in the class. Where is the fun if every class is 38 minutes of me lecturing? I want them to think about the events at hand, their impact, and their importance. I want my students to ask questions, challenge ideas, and understand why decisions are made. And lastly, I always say how history is about perspective. There are many events that are not so clear cut. It is like life. So many times there are moments where people view the same scenario differently... so let’s discuss, explore ideas, and at the same time be respectful of our fellow classmates.

What does the phrase “Firebird Family” mean to you?

This is easy because that is exactly what KMHS is... a family. Over the last twenty years I have made some of my greatest friends working at KMHS, not to mention the friends I made when I was a student. KMHS is my extended family.

Also, the support I get from my colleagues and my students is one of my favorite things about KMHS. There is a genuine concern for each other. The friendly greetings before class, stopping by to say hello, or simply asking for a photo at homecoming makes KMHS stand out.