Written by: Zara Paterson, Roxana Ghorbani
Photos by: Roxana Ghorbani
Edited by: Kate Puhlmann
If you’ve ever walked into a senior physics class at TAB, there's a good chance you’ve met Mr. D'Angelo! Known for his passion for problem-solving and clear explanations, he makes even the toughest concepts seem easy to understand. Mr. D’Angelo keeps students engaged from bell to bell by challenging them to think critically and apply their knowledge to everyday life.
Mr. D did not originally plan to become a teacher. He studied mechanical engineering at McMaster University, choosing the field because he enjoyed math and science. While he loved the university, he admitted the program was intense. “It was tough,” he said, “That's probably where I lost all my hair.”
Mr. D'Angelo preparing to teach his Grade 12 Physics class.
After graduating, he worked in the Pulp and Paper industry. However, he quickly realized the office environment did not suit his outgoing personality. “I was always a people person,” he explained. Remembering how much he enjoyed high school sports and the upbeat community it provided, he decided to return to that environment - but this time as a teacher.
Mr. D'Angelo has taught at Blakelock since 2005, instructing grade 9-10 science and 11-12 physics. His favorite class to teach is senior physics classes because he appreciates working with students who are there because they want to challenge themselves and enjoy learning the concepts.
Outside of school, Mr. D’Angelo enjoys participating in sports such as snowboarding, soccer, tennis, and basketball. In high school, Mr. D was part of the Halton All-Star Basketball team that represented Halton schools at championships across Ontario. Now, as a basketball coach at Blakelock up until 2022, he was able to guide and mentor students the same way his coaches guided him. Mr D’Angelo is also a big movie fan: his favorite films include Shawshank Redemption and Jurassic Park. He is also an avid supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs, often spending his evenings cheering them on.
Whether he's solving physics problems or cheering on his favourite teams, Mr. D’Angelo is always supporting students in and out of the classroom, bringing passion to everything he does. More than just a physics teacher, Mr D’Angelo is a mentor to all, so if you see him in the hall, be sure to say hi!