When you think of a raccoon, most people think of a rodent that steals trash (hence the nickname, “trash panda”), so when Mr. McPhetridge said that the animal he most related to was a raccoon, it raised some questions, but also made sense in a weird way.
Mr. McPhetridge, our long-term substitute for Tech Ed., has adapted to our building very well and has made the most of his time while here. Raccoons do this as well. “They will find anything and try to make it into a gem. They try to see the best things in life,” Mr. Mcphetridge explained.
Mr. McPhetridge’s raccoon-like, adaptive teaching style is what made him successful here. “You have a vast variety of students that each of them you need to tailor yourself to,” he said.
Before becoming a teacher, he worked for Homeland Security and was in the Marines for nine years. He studied criminal justice and earned a degree in cyber security and forensics. After his time spent in the Marines, he decided to become a teacher to continue helping people. “I wanted to do more and after my service the best way to do that was to become a teacher,” he said.
He is also crafty like a raccoon. In his spare time, he enjoys building clocks, doing artwork, doing airsoft, and playing “Magic: The Gathering.” He also enjoys sports such as football where he roots for the Green Bay Packers. Fun fact, he also used to coach sports.
Mr. McPhetridge is an amazing teacher, mentor, and raccoon. He is kind, caring, and always listens to your problems. His last day at Gateway is April ,9 so be sure to stop by his room and show our favorite “trash panda” some appreciation.
