Mr. Evan Howard is one of many new teachers to enter the halls of Cotter High School this year.

A graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.,  he studied political science, social science, and education for four years. He also studied abroad in Ireland for a time.

Mr. Howard also worked in senator Al Franken’s office in Washington D.C., where he did many things like meeting with guests and holding tours.

After completing his studies at St. John’s, Mr. Howard became aware of a teaching position at a school in Greece. He applied for the position because he thought it would be rewarding position, and was pleased when he received it. He taught high school English there to grades 10, 11, and 12. They were studying great literature and doing many cool things in their classes.

As much as Mr. Howard likes teaching, he has many hobbies outside of the classroom. In the winter, he enjoys downhill skiing and in the summer and fall, likes to scuba dive.  He likes outdoor activities in general.

Cotter is similar to the schools Mr. Howard has been in. He attended Lourdes High School and he first taught at St. John’s Prep School, which is a school on St. John’s University campus. Having taught social studies at one school and English at another, Cotter is the third school he has taught at.

Mr. Howard’s goals for teaching are simple, yet effective; find what the students are interested in and tailor his expectations to them. He wants to teach and show students how the subject applies to their lives.

His favorite part of teaching is how unpredictable the students can be. “You never know what they are going to say, especially the younger grades.” He likes all of the different directions he can go with something based on the students response to things.

Mr. Howard faces the challenges of how to work with students who are not motivated. He struggles with how to get them interested and gain their attention.

“I want to have the students find things for themselves.” He calls this discovery learning.  He doesn’t want to be up in front of the class, talking at the students so much as he wants them to figure things out on their own. This approach ultimately aims to give students a greater learning experience.