Faculty Highlight: Mr. Mundt
The faculty highlight for this issue is none other than Mr. Mundt… a 10th grade Algebra two teacher. In the years that Mr. Mundt has been at Vestavia, he has impacted so many young lives through a math class. And most importantly, he is a friend for quite literally anyone from the moment they walk into his A241 classroom.
I had the privilege of being taught by Mr. Mundt last year, and it was unlike any math class I have ever had. Math as a high school subject is not regularly regarded as a "fun" or "intriguing" class. Mr Mundt, however, is on a mission to change that stereotype. In order to fuel this mission, here are some of Mr. Mundt's specials--techniques that transform the classroom environment.
#1. Mr. Mundt truly values interactions with others
As students walk into his class, they will receive a warm welcome. After everyone sits down, he will start class with a group discussion. From last year's class, I remember several questions: "How was lunch?", "Where’s the best ice cream in Birmingham?", and "What did you do over the weekend?" These questions eased the stress of students in the class, seemed offered each a mini brain break.
#2. Motivation
Talking in class isn’t traditionally considered active learning, so Mr. Mundt switched up the game. Hype videos, invigorating each student to get excited for class. Before starting several lessons last year, I remember Mr. Mundt playing our class a hype video on the big Promethean Board, getting us all to wake up. Additionally, Mr. Mundt would encourage us during the lesson too. When we got past a hard question, Mr. Mundt would usually say … "That question was a tough one, but you're tough!" No matter what type of day it was, good or bad, Mr. Mundt always made an attempt to encourage students.
#3. A Desire to help
When topics didn't make much sense, Mr. Mundt was there. Aside from teaching a Math concept, he sat right beside me until I understood. He is always willing to break down the process piece-by-piece to help students. To me, this epitomizes a stellar personality trait of a leader.
Now that you’ve heard enough from me, it is only fair that you hear from Mr. Mundt himself. Here are some responses to questions he answered:
#1. You motivate others, but what motivates you?
"My family is my biggest source of motivation, but also working with people who share the common goal of improvement. As a math teacher, communicating the power of mathematics, science, and engineering to my students is a main driver."
#2. In this season of your life, what is something that you have been working to improve?
"I'm a dad to two incredible middle school kids, who are rapidly developing into teenagers. It's a fantastic season of life that is packed full of emotions and new experiences for all of us. I'm constantly working to find the right balance between helping my kids get the most out of their educational/social experiences and knowing when to step back and let them navigate on their own."
#3. If you could change one thing about high-school, what would it be and why?
"I think we are headed in the right direction with this, but I want students to earn more college credit in high school. This will hopefully save students and families thousands of dollars, as well as a considerable amount of time."
#4. If you had one chance to tell "high-school" version of Mr. Mundt a piece of advice, what would you tell him?
"I'd remind him of the importance of open communication with the adults in his life. The adults are all in his corner and ready to share life experiences that he can learn from."
#5. If there was a complete how-to book of any topic in life, what would you want it to be and why?
"I need a "How to Fly an Airplane" book that will make me an expert pilot so that I can fly around during the summer months. Hopefully it comes with an airplane and lots of jet fuel!"
I hope you enjoyed this issue of Faculty Highlight, stay tuned for the next one!
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