Nathan Swartz

Background

About Nathan Swartz

I was a high school mathematics teacher from August 2006 through June 2017 at Rocky Hill High School in Rocky Hill, CT. I taught Integrated Math (Pre-Algebra), Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus (Trigonometry). The levels of teaching ranged from lower-level to honors – we had three levels of academic instruction for each subject. I also co-taught lower-level Algebra 1 with a phenomenal Special Education teacher almost every year. We had a wonderful rapport and were considered “model co-teachers”. I needed to take a break from teaching for a temporary health reason and finally in 2020, I was ready to re-enter the workforce.I was born to be a teacher. I love teaching. It was extremely difficult to walk away from the career that I love, but it was necessary. I love interacting with students, collaborating with staff, teaching lessons in a way that not only keep my students’ attention but also ensure their understanding of the material. I figured that it would be best, after a long journey to good health, to return to the workforce in the capacity of a substitute teacher. I began substitute teaching for Fairfield Public Schools in December 2020. All of my substitute teaching has been at Fairfield Warde High School. I wanted to be in one place where I could hopefully get to know the students and faculty well. I did substitute teaching knowing that I would eventually re-apply to be a full-time mathematics teacher once my confidence was back at 100%. That moment finally arrived when at the beginning of this school year when I was hired to be a one-year long-term substitute teacher at Fairfield Woods Middle School teaching 7th grade mathematics. Despite never having taught middle school, I am truly enjoying it. It has been more challenging than teaching high school, there is no doubt about that. However, my students, my team, and my administrators are wonderful. I currently teach a general level 7th grade mathematics course as well as Pre-Algebra. The teacher that I have been subbing for has officially retired and the position will be posted. However, my passion has always been teaching high school.It feels wonderful to be teaching again. I missed having my own classes of students, lesson plans, subjects to teach, and a belonging to a school community. I have long said that one of my absolute favorite sounds to hear is a student saying, “Oh, I get it now!” That one statement defines great teaching. I am now experiencing that on a daily basis and it is wonderful.