Interview by Catrina Meyer

Mr. Heiss is a physics student teacher, whose cooperating teacher is Mr. Iaiennaro. He was an intern at PHS all of last year, although, he explained to me, one does not need to be an intern before becoming a student teacher. The student teacher program is 60 days long. For the first two weeks he observed, before starting to teach some of the classes of his cooperating teacher in order to learn how to run a classroom. He will be done teaching classes just before Thanksgiving break and he will be leaving the school when the program ends some time in December.

Phoenix: What is the most important thing that you have learned about teaching so far?

Mr. Heiss: To go at the speed the students go at. It is very important to change plans if necessary and it is always necessary.

Phoenix: If you could teach another subject, which one would it be?

Mr. Heiss: Realistically, math because physics and math are almost the same. I have given serious thought to also getting certified to teach math. It would also be fun to teach a creative writing class.

Phoenix: If you could have any other job what would it be?

Mr. Heiss:I’d love to just be an author, to just write and to support myself on that. Though I don’t think I’m the only person like that and I think most people are not that lucky.

Phoenix: What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

Mr. Heiss:I have always liked to read and write and play video games. Several of my friends got me hooked on unusual board games and card games. Well, I got them started and they dragged me down.

Phoenix: Where are the coolest places you’ve ever been?

Mr. Heiss:Toulouse, a town in the south of France. It’s where they build Airbuses. It is very beautiful, very old and very laid back. I think the primary recreational activity there is just sitting by the river.

Phoenix: What were you like in high school?

Mr. Heiss:I was always the smart and quiet guy. I took all of the honors classes and did very well.

Phoenix: What are your favorite movies?

Mr. Heiss: I really like light action movies, like Indiana Jonesand James Bond that take themselves serious but are not entirely serious. And the Avengers movies.

Phoenix: Mac or PC?

Mr. Heiss:PC because it is what I first used and what I learned to use a computer on. I honestly believe that there are so few differences now.

Phoenix: What is you favorite fast food restaurant?

Mr. Heiss:McDonald’s. They make a good chicken sandwich, and they have among the best fast food french fries.

Phoenix: If you could have and super power, what would it be?

Mr. Heiss:Stop Time.

Phoenix: Who are inspirational figures (famous, family, or friends) that have influenced your life?

Mr. Heiss: Dave Berry, he has a very good way of putting things and a very good sense of humor. It gives me hope that someone can win the Pulitzer Prize for making booger jokes, that the world doesn’t take its self that seriously.

Phoenix: If you could give advice to PHS. students, what would it be?

Mr. Heiss:“Never give up, never surrender” [from the film] Galaxy Quest.

Phoenix: If you could make one change to the world, what would it be?

Mr. Heiss:I would want everybody to start on equal ground and be judged on the merits of what they were able to do not what they have the opportunity to do. To give the same opportunities to all. Then something minor: for people to use apostrophes correctly.