Teacher of the week 5: Jordan Catapano

Teachers are real life superheroes. Every day, CHS teachers touch the lives of thousands of students, and their work extends beyond the boundaries of the classroom. To show appreciation for these teachers, the Crier asked students to identify teachers that have made a real impact in their lives. A new student and teacher will be featured each week.

For week five, Lily Shaw, ‘17, nominated English teacher Jordan Catapano.

Maggie Jakopac | Conant Crier

Mr. Catapano writes the name of the new English book on the board.

Shaw: I had Mr. Catapano as my English teacher for my sophomore and junior years. You can tell that he really cares about his students, and he wants everyone to be successful. He kept the class very fun and engaging. I feel that I have improved as a writer and a student because of him.

Crier: How do you make English enjoyable for your students?

Catapano: I mostly just try to bring my excitement and passion for what we’re doing to class every day. I try to make sure everything we do is purposeful, that students know what that purpose is, and that we have a good time while growing in our skills and knowledge.

Crier: What’s your favorite book?

Catapano: I like “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White. It’s a King Arthur story (Disney’s “Sword and the Stone” movie is based off of part of it). I’m not a King Arthur lore fan really, but this story develops its characters so beautifully that a reader can’t help but sympathize with them every step through their adventures.

Crier: If you could live at a library (anywhere around the world), which library would it be

Catapano: I don’t think I’d want to live at the library, and I don’t have the knowledge of any libraries worldwide that would make one particularly attractive.

Crier: What are some things you like to do for fun with your family?

Catapano: Around the house, me and the kids put on pirate costumes and go on adventures fighting ogres, rescuing citizens, and finding treasures. We play board games, read books, wrestle, play sports outside, and of course we pretend we are “American Ninja Warriors” and jump around the furniture. We’re big fans of going on walks, going to the park, taking bike rides, visiting family, and causing a ruckus at libraries, malls, bookstores, and Conant sporting events.

Crier: Who is your favorite author? Is there a specific quote by them you like to live by?

Catapano: There’s too many great authors to have a favorite, but here’s a favorite quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea each of us represents.”

To nominate a teacher who has made an impact in your life, click here.

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