By: Jocelyn Penrod
As we all settle into the new school year we welcome new teachers and students to our district. I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the new teachers, Mr. Rankin. Mr. Rankin joined the CH staff as the new physics teacher. In this interview I learned Mr. Rankin has an extensive academic background, and he shared some fun facts that students and other teachers may not know about him.
Q: Where did you attend college?
A: “Undergraduate: Allegheny College in Meadville, PA… Bachelor of Science in Geology
Graduate School: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN… Master’s of Science in Geology
Education Certification: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA”
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?
A: “In high school, I thought I would be some type of scientist. Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors hiking through the woods, and observing creeks and outcrops of rocks. I had many questions about how the land came to be shaped (hills and valleys, rivers). I studied geology in college, and also taught geology labs. I enjoyed teaching the labs, and thought that teaching may be something I would like to do as a job.”
Q: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
A: “Well. I have been lucky enough to have two jobs that I have wanted. Before I was a teacher, I worked as a petroleum geologist. My job was to put an “X” on the map where the oil/gas was located. It was fun. I got to travel throughout the United States and see some amazing places, with excellent rocks!!!”
Q: How long have you been teaching ?
A: “This is my 15th year of teaching.”
Q: What's your favorite type of science?
A: “Geology and physics.”
Q: What is the biggest change between North Carolina vs. Pennsylvania ?
A: “The landscape. I lived a few miles from the beach in Wilmington, NC. The land was FLAT, and to me boring. I LOVE the hills, valleys, rivers, streams, and trees in the Patton area.”
Q: Why did you want to teach at Cambria Heights?
A: “The people at my interview were kind, and easy to speak with. They were also proud of their students, faculty, and facilities.”
Q: What would students be surprised to learn about you?
A: “That I ride a motorcycle.”