Mr. McGonigal Spotlight by Rebecca Kreiner and Paige Winscot

This is an interview on a 6th grade teacher from PFMS. We asked him a few questions on him and his teaching.

 

 

1. Park Forest Times (PF): How long have you taught at PFMS?

 

Mr. McGonigal (Mr. M): 13 Years

 

2. PF: What made you want to be a teacher?

 

Mr. M: “My 6th grade teacher Mr. Mills was my inspiration. He was cool and really nice.”

 

3. PF: What are your favorite classes to teach?

 

Mr. M: Science and math

 

4. PF: What do you look for in a good student?

 

Mr. M: “Someone who is responsible and has a good attitude.”

 

5. PF: Where else have you taught?

 

Mr. M: Virginia Beach School District as a 5th grade teacher and Newport News for 1 year

 

6. PF: Do you have any cool stories or teaching experiences?

 

Mr. M: “I have been hit by something on a lawn mower 3 times while in class, I have had someone spill spaghetti down my shirt by accident. I also was doing a convection box demo and set down a match that I thought I blew out and it caught a pile of papers on fire. I ended up putting it out by hitting it with my hands.”

 

7. PF: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

 

Mr. M:

  1. sense of humor

  2. outgoing

  3. friendly

 

8. PF: What is your favorite food?

 

Mr. M: Stuffed shells

 

9. PF: What are some interesting things about you?

 

Mr. M:

  1. “I have been a football coach for 12 years here at PFMS.”

  2. “I love studying and teaching about the holocaust.”

  3. “I have 2 boys that are 8 and 10.”

  4. “My wife is a teacher.”

  5. “I played football for St. Francis University for 1 year in college.”

 

10. PF: How many states have you been to?

 

Mr. M: 12 states