Camila Slatopolsky, Grade 11, Staff Writer
Mr. Yanek is the High School of American Studies’ new physics teacher! The namesake of Ms. Vivaldi’s iconic Pterodactyl and a self-proclaimed Polymath, we had a lot to talk to him about!
Q: How long ago did you start teaching?
A: I have been teaching for 24 years.
Q: What made you want to teach?
A: I wanted to work with people. Teaching is a very rewarding profession for many reasons. One of my favorite things about teaching is that it satisfies the creative urge.
Q: What made you want to teach physics?
A: Biology is really just chemistry, and chemistry is really just physics. Physics lies beneath all things. Another great thing about physics is that there is still a lot left to discover. Many of the big questions have yet to be answered, and others are being answered unconvincingly.
Q: If you could have chosen any other profession, what would it be and why?
A: Perhaps electrical engineer. Electronics is fascinating.
Q: What made you want to come to HSAS?
A: For a long time I taught both Chemistry and Physics, but eventually my program became only Chemistry and IB Chemistry. I missed Physics, so when I heard about the opportunity at HSAS, I jumped at it. I love Chemistry, too, and I’ll miss it. But my heart is Physics.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a teacher?
A: Committed.
Mr. Yanek with his stuffed friend, Ms. Vivaldi