Phil Glasser

Tell us why you became a teacher

As a high school wrestler, I enjoyed helping teach the younger elementary wrestlers learn moves in summer camps. I continued to enjoy sharing my love for math by helping my friends learn math in their college courses. I signed up to be a high school tutor when I was in college. That led me to major in education while earning a bachelors of science in mathematics. I coached wrestling and football while I was in college at the local high school to earn money to help pay for my tuition.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was selected as teacher of the year at Perry Meridian Middle school for the school year 1999-2000. I wanted to help less fortunate students so I transferred to the alternative education program in our township. It is a school for students that have been expelled from their home schools. I was selected a second time for teacher of the year in 2002. It was extremely satisfying helping young students learn math and teach them life skills. Most of my students were from broken homes.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would pay off my parent plus loan which I still owe about $23,000.00. It would eliminate a large monthly expense when I retire.