Teacher of the week 6: Amar Patel

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.

Maggie Jakopac | Conant Crier

Mr. Patel writes equation for his multi variable calculus class.

For week six, Bianca Saputra, ‘18, nominated math teacher Amar Patel.

Saputra: Mr. Patel teaches uninteresting math concepts in a way that makes it more interesting, using his personal anecdotes and dry humor. He always answers our inane questions and makes sure that each  of us understands the topics by hosting review sessions. Aside from the classroom curriculum, he also gives career advice and life lessons.

Crier: What is one of the life lessons you have taught your classes?

Patel: I like to say that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Crier: What are some things you like to do at home with your family?

Patel: We enjoy playing games and watching funny shows together. This summer, we invited neighborhood kids over to play home run derby in our front yard on a daily basis.

Crier: What are two of your favorite shows that you like to watch?

Patel: My favorite comedy of all time is Arrested Development, although the new season is disappointing. It has great acting, phenomenal writing, and has the knack of bringing everything back together at the end. There are also constant double ententes and references back to previous episodes. Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a guilty pleasure. It is Seinfeld on steroids. It is also a show about nothing, but it is more crass and irreverent. The scenarios are so ridiculous that you can’t identify remotely with what the characters are thinking, but they are all relatable to a minuscule extent.

Crier: If you weren’t a math teacher, what would you be?

Patel: I would like to write novels, nonfiction [books], music, and perhaps do motivational speaking.

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

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