By Ava Theodorides
After teaching for 24 years at Mashpee Middle High School, science department teacher Thomas Hoppensteadt, known to many as Mr. Hop, will retire after the 2021-2022 school year.
In his career, he has taught Integrated Science, Environmental, Physical, Earth and Space, Biology, and Ecology. He has been the MMHS science department chairperson since 2015.
In Mr. Hop’s past, he worked as a fish and wildlife biologist and would help teachers and students learn about the environment, which led to him becoming a licensed science teacher, which he has enjoyed.
In an interview with The Falconer, Mr. Hop said, “I will miss the students the most and seeing them grow as individuals in a variety of content areas, not just science, but to see that they have find their paths and their passions.”
After teaching for 24 years at Mashpee Middle High School, science department teacher Thomas Hoppensteadt, known to many as Mr. Hop, will retire after the 2021-2022 school year.
In his career, he has taught Integrated Science, Environmental, Physical, Earth and Space, Biology, and Ecology. He has been the MMHS science department chairperson since 2015.
In Mr. Hop’s past, he worked as a fish and wildlife biologist and would help teachers and students learn about the environment, which led to him becoming a licensed science teacher, which he has enjoyed.
In an interview with The Falconer, Mr. Hop said, “I will miss the students the most and seeing them grow as individuals in a variety of content areas, not just science, but to see that they have find their paths and their passions.”
He plans to continue to work on Fish, Wildlife and Environmental management after he retires from teaching in the school.
“I would say that everybody should be mindful of their strengths and weaknesses. Try to pick your lanes and pathways and stay in those. But be flexible for changes.” said Mr. Hop.
A Q&A with Mr. Hop follows here:
THE FALCONER: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your teaching experience?
MR. HOP: I think that all students are different and you need to try and meet them where they are in terms of their background information and know about the content that we want them to learn.
TF: What have been your greatest successes/achievements while being a teacher?
MR. HOP: To me, my greatest successes are when I hear of students and see students that have graduated who have decided to go into the field of natural resource management, or environmental analysis or some scientific field.
TF: Was it a tough decision to retire?
MR. HOP: No I think it is time for me to retire, it was not hard for me. I will miss the teaching aspects of it, and I will miss working with colleagues that are here but it’s time I’ve been here for 24 years.
TF: What will you miss most about working here?
MR. HOP: I will miss the students the most and seeing them grow as individuals in a variety of content areas, not just science, but to see that they have find their paths and their passions.
TF: Do you have any messages for students or staff?
MR. HOP: I would say that everybody should be mindful of their strengths and weaknesses. Try to pick your lanes and pathways and stay in those. But be flexible for changes.