The feeling of being a new student in a big school is overwhelming for everyone; let alone having the responsibility of shaping the newer generations. For John Pitrus, the constant workload and busy schedule is just what he has been longing for as a teacher. While many people may need professional development when switching careers, Pitrus has both the experience and the determination to facilitate others. With prior experience in the technology industry, requiring him to speak in front of others, Pitrus learned new ways to instill his concepts into the minds of the people he is now teaching.
“In 2024, I decided I would become a teacher,” Pitrus said. “I got tired of the corporate world and wanted to try something different and teaching math is just a natural extension of all my college and business work.” Staring at a pile of work that needed to be done, “this is what I have been waiting for”, Pitrus said.
Although Pitrus believes that the technology industry is just as time consuming as being a teacher, it takes a deep focus to help students learn; and one that he is still strengthening, to better his classroom environment. Many at-home experiences have also molded him into the mentor he always aspired to be. Despite his admiration for helping those within his family, with the inspiration of their charisma, Pitrus has a strong tendency to help his students in and out of the classroom. Even though switching careers is a drastic change, Pitrus still finds a way to make the best out of his experience. With a new career, however, also comes more responsibilities; and one that Pitrus is determined to make the most of.
“I helped my two older sisters do math and science when I was in high school,” Pitrus said. Later on, “I also helped our two children do school work when I became a parent; I’ve always liked tutoring people.”
Before his time at Walpole High School, Pitrus worked for Westwood Middle School and Needham Middle School; both of which are exceptionally diverse and academically advanced. He believes that the most important part of his job is helping students utilize his lectures to better their academic career. Even if his students do not particularly enjoy the concepts of mathematics or science, they can still apply statistics and data in their everyday lives.
“I hope that all of my students get something important and impactful from my class. I’d love to see some of them go into a STEM field because I think that’s a really good choice right now, and even if statistics or math is not their favorite subject, I hope they learn how data, evidence and analysis shapes a story,” Pitrus said.
Pitrus believes in bettering students’ lives by improving their academic career and preparing their minds for future STEM problems they may come across. With learning comes responsibilities. Being able to provide students with the fundamental learning techniques directly leads to a more productive classroom; all philosophies Pitrus aspires to utilize in his day to day, classroom environment.
