Teacher of the Month: Ron Fritz
Each month, The Spectator highlights an outstanding staff member at Berkley High School, allowing us to learn more about them as people. This month, we are learning more about science teacher Mr. Ron Fritz. You may have seen him in the hallways or the wrestling room!
Being a teacher is challenging, and being a good teacher takes the right type of person. With that, teachers must have a passion for teaching. When asked why he decided to become a teacher, Mr. Fritz said, “My father was a good teacher who connected with kids, especially the ones who didn’t like school. He was fun and approachable, but also pushed kids to be the best versions of themselves.” On top of that he said, “Despite my father’s warnings about the challenges, I chose teaching to make a difference.” He added that rewarding moments for teachers in the classroom make all of it worth it. Mr. Fritz’s favorite moments are “when a kid connects to a lesson and starts asking questions because they want to understand more, or when they finally make a connection and understand the concept and simply respond with an “oh!” He says that encouraging a positive mindset in students all starts with his outlook. Mr. Fritz says, “I am good at finding the bright side. I am always open to sharing a variety of opinions and ideas … I also connect with struggling students and learn how to better support them.”
Mr. Fritz is always trying to stay positive and have fun, but most importantly, build relationships with his students. “Relationships are the most essential part of teaching. Teaching is exhausting. There are rarely enough hours in the day to get everything done. More recently, I have made a more significant effort to strike a balance, so I can maintain a positive attitude daily.” Additionally, he says, “Every kid comes from a unique place, and we cannot assume we understand their predicament. I have had to learn not to dwell on the sad or negative. Instead, I keep moving forward, do my best to stay positive regularly, and inspire those around me to do the same,” this makes making relationships with students so important to him as a teacher. Mr. Fritz clearly has a lot to be proud of, but one that stands out to him is his ability to stay positive. He adds, “I am my own worst critic, so I rarely feel my teaching and/or lessons are as good as they could or should be. My strength is in my ability to stay positive and maintain a light-hearted attitude in my classroom. I am always good for a little tangential conversation or story, as well as a bit of self-deprecating humor.” Lastly, Mr. Fritz leaves a message for fellow educators: “Take care of yourself. Don’t dwell on the negative. Get outside and be active! Know you are making a difference even when it doesn’t feel like it. And when you have it figured out, it’s probably time to retire!”
Now that we have gotten to know Mr. Fritz better, he welcomes all students to say hello in the halls and encourages everyone at Berkley to continue to be the best versions of themselves and be in Berkley Bear spirit!
