Liza Stunis, ‘22 and Oswald Wagenseil, ‘22

November 2018

We asked one of the BHSEC 9th grade math teachers to give us a summary of his time teaching in this early college. Through this experience, we learned a lot of interesting things regarding this following teacher. Dr. Rosenberg has a very interesting background story to what got him interested in mathematics in the first place. Like most teachers have an inspiration to their interest in mathematics in the first place as did Rosenberg, his father. Just by being in awe of what mathematics is, his curiosity and interest lead him toward to be a math teacher. For one, his father was a mathematician and from him Dr. Rosenberg developed his passion and curiosity towards mathematics. We also collected information from him on an interview we had. When asked what was the most rewarding aspect of being a 9th grade teacher, he replied with, “I would say the best feeling is when a student has an ‘aha’ moment.” On the contrary, Dr. Rosenberg also exposed the downsides to being a math teacher, “It can be exhausting at times. But, I wouldn’t want to do anything else.” We also asked Rosenberg to offer an opinion regarding the students he teaches and undoubtedly those opinion were nothing but positive:“I love my students. Most students seem they’re here to learn, and that is all you can really ask for.” Also, in general, we asked on his perspective of being a teacher at BHSEC and his reply was,” I like it. Bard is a place where we can focus on ideas and concepts and we don’t need to teach for some test.” These very original answers were very interesting collecting in the one-on-one interview with Dr. Rosenberg.

Read the full interview here:

What is it like being a math teacher at Bard?

I like it. Bard is a place where we can focus on ideas and concepts and we don’t need to teach for some test.

What are your opinions on the students you teach?

I love my students. Most students seem like they’re here to learn, and that’s all you can really ask for.

Who in your life got you interested in mathematics in the first place?

My father. My father was a mathematician and growing up I wanted to understand what he did.

Do you specifically find any downsides to being a math teacher?

It can be exhausting at times. But, I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

What are the best things about being a math teacher?

I would say the best feeling is when a student has an “aha” moment.

Does teaching at an early college high school influence what you teach?

Yes. Like I said before, the idea is that early college high schools need to teach with discipline and order. It’s just the way we teach with linear and quadratic ideas.

Interviewer: Would you rather teach college students if presented with the opportunity?  

I like teaching both. In general, I do teach both. This semester I teach a college level course. But I like teaching 9th graders something new.

What is your teaching philosophy?

In order to learn something, the learner has to do most of the work. A teacher is more like a coach.