Answer the following algebraic expression on the board….

      Black shoes, brown kakis, and a blue button-up shirt lead to a very tall man with brown hair, smiling bigger the a half moon. He’s a young man who loves batman, and is probably my inspiration of wanting to be a teacher. Mr. Cogan, a math teacher of four years, prepares himself for the screaming seventh and eighth grade kids at Magnolia Public School. Everyday all year round is the same old routine; roll out of bed, get ready, and drive half awake to "the best job in the world" during the eye wrenching hours of the morning. But what’s the story behind this tall fellow? Take out your notebooks and learn it here.

Q: What are some highlights in teaching? A: "For me, I love seeing my students mature. It’s awesome watching children work hard and succeed in something they didn’t think they could do. The prize at the end of the journey is watching them all graduate."
Q: What kind of schooling/classes did you have to take to become a teacher?A: "I took many math courses and teaching classes. Calculus, Algebra, Geometry, all of them."
Q: How was having my seventh grade class as your  first class?A: "You crazy kids were loud and disruptive. I knew you were all good, smart kid but it took you all some time to come into your own."
Q: What was the most interesting day for you?A: "The most interesting day was probably my first day. I was nervous, and didn’t really know what to expect from such a small school. Like I didn’t know how you guys learned and how far along all of you were in the math field."
Q: How is leaving work to go be a referee?

A: "I ref basketball and football. I always think and prepare ahead of time so I’m not rushing from job to job. Just last week I was a ref for a special needs game, and a few of the kids started chasing me around. Jobs are fun sometimes."
Q: You have a degree in English, why are you a math teacher?  A: "I had the decision to take writing classes, and I did. I liked math more, so BAM! I’m a math teacher."
Q: How do you prepare kids for future life?A: "I only teach meaningful and helpful things. I try to simulate it to high school level work, and hold kids accountable for there own work like in the business world. My afterschool program sail helps further the kid’s education outside of the classroom; so far it’s been successful."
Q: Are you only a teacher to follow in your fathers footsteps?A: "Partially, other then the fact that I enjoy helping people."
Q: How do you feel about the new math systems entering schools?

A: "I do believe some of it is good and useful. It’s all based on technology. It’s different from when I grew up. The smart board is efficient and I like the new programs."

      As Mr. Cogan erases the white board, another chapter of his book has come to a cliff hanging ending. The children, books in hand, rush out of the classroom.

**I must thank Mr. Cogan for his time and cooperation. :)**