Mr. Prince Ofusohene: New Teacher Spotlight

Have you taught at a previous school? 

Yes - I used to teach at Philadelphia Military Academy for six-year teaching chemistry. Here at Masterman, students take their work more seriously—more than Philadelphia Military Academy.

What influenced you to come to Masterman?

I was looking for change as I taught at the same school (Philadelphia Military Academy) for the past six years. It was getting boring, so I wanted a change, and I wanted some rigor. 

Do you think you have found rigor here?

I am feeling it now. I am seeing that the students here are up to the challenge, so I continuously up the bar as I move forward, and I am still checking the course.

At Masterman, you are teaching Chemistry and Forensic Science. What draws you to these courses?

Yes, I teach three classes in Chemistry, one in math, and forensic science. I’m drawn to chemistry because it is very experimental, it is very practical, and makes sense. Chemistry is actual science, other science helps build chemistry, and chemistry is life. Everything in the universe can be brought back to chemistry.

How do you like to teach chemistry—anything unique?

Here at Masterman, I am able to challenge the kids more and force them to think outside the box. Regarding the content, I teach mostly the same at Masterman that I did at Philadelphia Military Academy.

What level of math do you teach?

I teach 7th-grade math, but we learn 8th-grade content.

Tell me a little bit about the forensics course, and what do you think students can take out of the elective?

Right now, the students are presenting their crime scene investigations, and today, some students made a video and presented it to the class. Regarding what students can take from the course, I think the content teaches real-life experience. We also want students to enjoy taking the course. For instance, when the groups were showing their videos, their classmates enjoyed it and were laughing along with them. It is a good way to build community.

How would you describe your experience teaching at Masterman so far?

I think it is fantastic, everybody is friendly and ready to help. It is a strong community with an active learning environment. I feel much more comfortable here, I feel at home. 

Anything you did not expect?

I knew Masterman was a good school, but I did not know that it was a school you would have difficulty accessing—getting into it from a teacher's perspective. I came in, then later on, some of my friends asked where I was teaching and when I said Masterman they asked, “How did you get there?” I told them, “What do you mean? I just applied.” They said they all did as well but got rejected. If I asked them before I applied, I probably would not have applied to Masterman because they make it seem really hard to become a teacher here. 

Anything to add about the community?

Mostly positive. I was surprised that students would ask for a higher grade when they got 95%. A student once asked me if he could retake a test after scoring 98%. I told him no, and that a 98% is still a very good grade.

Have you had to change anything about your teaching style?

Students here are more committed to learning and want to get higher grades. I want them to acquire real, applicable knowledge and achieve more—not just give them information.

Is there anything we have not touched on that you would like to talk about?

I am a farmer, I love gardening. I have a very nice garden with hot potatoes, tomatoes, and hot peppers—which are my favorite to grow. I eat all of them. I do not use fertilizers or pesticides in my garden, so it is completely organic. I enjoy watching them grow, every day it surprises me to see how they change in height.

Rapid Fire

Hidden Talent? Farmer

Top lab experiment? Separation of mixtures 

Memorable forensic case? A guy dying being labeled as commiting suicide

Most admired historical figure? MLK Jr. is one of them

Most intriguing compound? Sodium Hydroxide - makes your skin tingle 

The funniest lab mishap? A student who dipped his finger in a Sodium Hydroxide solution thinking that it was water. His finger then began to bend.

Favorite vacation spot? Ghana