Fresh out of Penn State University, Marcelo Negrette has been welcomed to the Susquehannock faculty as a history department member.
Principal James Sterner vividly remembers what an energetic first impression this Pittsburgh native made on him.
“I met Mr. Negrette at a career fair for teachers where, out of a crowd of hundreds of college grads in education, his excitement and passion stood out,” Sterner said. “We are very excited to have him here and as a part of our SHS teaching team!”
History department chair Andrew Warren sees the positive impact he is making already.
“Mr. Negrette has been a welcome addition to our social studies department,” Warren said. “I have been impressed with his ability to adjust to a new school while instantly making connections with his students. He is a very creative and hard-working teacher.”
Negrette looks forward to beginning his first year teaching freshman U.S. History, as well as tenth grade Contemporary American and American History through Sports.
Having taught AP Human Geography at State College Area High School during student teaching, Negrette is nervous. However, he is enthralled by the learning curve.
“These are classes that I can add my personality to and create some new and unique content,” Negrette said. “These classes allow me to experiment with certain activities that a more structured course like ninth grade U.S. history does not offer as much.”
After looking into the curriculum, Negrette is hoping to introduce opportunities that will allow students to showcase their skills in graphing, drawing and graphic design.
“I’m not very good at any of those things, but I like to see others do that,” Negrette said.
He also finds that his elective courses have been designed well, noting that America History Through Sports is especially interesting given the lenience on where it can go.
Negrette has big hopes during his first year.
“I know that growth is something that will happen over time, so I’m not hoping that I become the best teacher by the end of the year,” Negrette said.
Acknowledging the room he can find for improvement, Negrette is excited as he feels that he has joined a great school.
“First year teaching is just an up and down roller coaster,” Negrette said.
