Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Medlin’s Journey at Galileo

A year and a half into teaching at Galileo, this educator shares insights about their journey, the joy of teaching practical skills, and their evolving relationship with subjects they once disliked. In a candid interview, they discuss the unique atmosphere at Galileo, balancing teaching with real-world lessons, and how life’s experiences have shaped their approach to education.

Why do you teach your subject?
I enjoy teaching students about skills that are valuable in their real-life experiences.

What was your least favorite subject in school?
I would say history, but I have a new love for it now. So it’s something I read more now. Some of the historical wars and stuff like that. But back in high school, I really didn’t have a fondness.

If you weren’t a teacher what would you be?
I really like working in the restaurant field. If I wasn’t teaching I would probably be in some kind of management position.

What are some of your favorite things? (foods, movies, books, games, colors, people, etc.)
I enjoy camping and cooking out with my family. I like going to the beach. I like going to the mountains. Just being outdoors in general.

What is something you love about Galileo?
I like the small, close knit community. It’s not as big as normal schools. It’s easier to help students with their stuff.

How long have you been at Galileo?
So a year and a half. Now, I’m a newbie.

Have you ever felt like a parent to a student or appeared as a parental figure?
I think all teachers have it to some extent. We’re trying to teach you guys to be better people, and to be more responsible in the community. Especially with our IB learning traits right here.

What’s a secret about being a teacher that students don’t know?
If I knew the secrets, I’d write a book about it and not be teaching. We’re pretty transparent.

If you were granted one wish from a genie what would your wish be?
That’s a tough one. I don’t know, I’m pretty content. Money, I guess. We could all enjoy some more money, but I wouldn’t want the money to influence my decisions. I have had a pretty happy life so far. Ask my wife, she might say something different.

What brought you to Galileo instead of another school?
Actually a coworker I used to teach with said there was a spot open. They were looking for someone to teach the business class. I applied and came on over. I traditionally taught math before I came over. Because math helps students to be problem solvers.

Has there ever been a time where you separated people in a class because you could tell something happened outside of class?
I mean, of course. Knock on wood, I’ve never had a fight in my classroom all year, but yeah, I’ve had to separate some people. For sure.

What is something you wish that you would have learned or done sooner?
Maybe investing in stuff sooner. I try not to focus on things I might regret. If that makes sense.

Is there anyone at Galileo who you have an embarrassing story about that you can’t tell? Or one that you can?
Maybe, but I’m pretty new to Galileo.

What would you like to see covered or looked into on the Galileo news?
I think more immediate feedback. More current news. During my first year here I would get the Falcon’s View and I never felt like it was the current news. It’d be nice to know what’s happening now.

Out of all the staff at Galileo, who would you be interested in reading an interview like this on? Who do you think the student body should get to know better?
I think we all have our own individual positive attributes, but that’s a hard one. I don’t know a whole lot about Mrs. Conner (Math). She’s taught a long time, so she kind of has a life outside of Galileo.