Teacher of the month is a segment of The Spectator where we feature a teacher at Berkley High School and take a deep dive into their lives beyond the classroom in order for the BHS community to get to know them better. This December, we are featuring Mr. Nadolski. He teaches U.S History as well as Government and Economics in room 269 at Berkley.
Mr. Nadolski grew up in Macomb Township and went to Dakota High School, one of the biggest high schools in Michigan. After high school, Mr. Nadolski went to Michigan State University. Following graduation, he did his student teaching internship at Troy High School. After working at Grosse Pointe North, Mr. Nadolski transitioned to his current position at Berkley High School. To get to know a little more about Mr. Nadolski I asked him a few questions about his career and personal life.
Q: What made you decide to become a teacher?
A: It was one of those weird things where I had a lot of different ideas about what I wanted to do when going into college, none of which pertained to teaching. At some point in college I decided I really loved social studies, specifically history, and I wanted to go into a job where I could share those ideas and thoughts with other people. I come from a family that’s really big on doing things for other people; my mom is an occupational therapist, my dad is a fireman, and my sister is a nurse. I think seeing that in my family really emphasized the need to be in a career where it’s more about other people.
Q: If you weren’t a teacher, what do you think your job would be?
A: I’ve been told by a lot of people that I would be a really good lawyer. I think that could be interesting, but I also know that it can make you go insane at some point. I grew up in a family that rescued animals, and I sometimes partake in that as well with rescuing cats. Sometimes I wish I could go into some sort of career that involves helping animals and rehabilitation.
Q: What do you like about teaching high schoolers?
A: I think my personality as an individual is catered more towards high schoolers. Compared to younger students, high schoolers are more mature which means I can speak more maturely which makes for better connections.
Q: What is something you like to do outside of school?
A: I’m really into exercising; I try to go on a run a few times a week and go to the gym to workout. My really big thing this year has been watching the Detroit Lions. If you were in my class, you would hear me talking about the Lions all the time. I also like to play video games, but as I’ve gotten older I haven’t been able to do that one as much.
Q: What stands out to you about Berkley School District/ BHS?
A: There is really a strong sense of community here at Berkley, which is something that you don’t get to see anywhere else. You know just seeing students walking from their houses to school and hearing about their favorite spots to get lunch is really special. In Berkley, everyone is really connected, and it’s cool to see how people share similar ideas and interests just based on their location. The common identity creates a really healthy environment at BHS.
Q: What aspects of your teaching are unique to you?
A: I think right now a big thing is my age, which works for and against me at times. I have a lot of thoughts and ideas that are relatable and applicable to the students. I say to them all the time “I go on TikTok in my freetime”. I know a lot about what interests students and the terminology they use. I think it’s important to bring those things into the classroom when I’m teaching to give students the sense of “he understands us”.
Q: Looking back now, what is one piece of advice you would give your highschool self?
A: It’s all going to work out. I think every high school student gets to the point in Junior or Senior year where they are worked up about what’s going to happen after graduation. I firmly believe that you don’t have to have everything figured out the moment you walk down the stage at graduation. It’s important for everyone to just run the race and hit the finish line. Maybe that means some people finish sooner than you or later than you, but just stay motivated and keep running. Know that it will work out the way it’s meant to work out as long as you’re dedicated.
