This fall, two new teachers joined the IHS Math Department: Benjamin Kirk and Bryan Reynolds. Kirk, an Algebra 1 and Honors Precalculus AB teacher, obtained an undergraduate degree in mathematics with a concentration in education, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching, from Cornell University. During his time at Cornell, he student-taught at Lehman Alternative Community School and at TST BOCES. After graduation, Kirk decided to begin his career at IHS. “I’ve heard lots of good things about IHS,” he said. “I also did some observations [here].”

While at Cornell, Kirk met David Bock, a former IHS mathematics teacher, who encouraged him to pursue a career at IHS. So far, Kirk has enjoyed his experiences at the high school. “It’s been going pretty well,” he commented. “I was pretty nervous at first, but the teachers have been supportive and the kids have been good. It was hard getting up early [at 7 a.m.] and getting ready, but I’ve gotten used to it.” Kirk hopes to stay at IHS and would like to teach Advanced Placement Statistics in the future.

In addition to teaching at IHS, Kirk is an avid gamer. He enjoys playing PC games, especially World of Warcraft and various internet games, as well as games on other platforms, including Guitar Hero for PlayStation 2.

Reynolds, a new Pre-algebra and Honors Algebra teacher, earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics while completing his Masters of Arts in Teaching in his fourth year at Ithaca College. While at Ithaca College, Reynolds student-taught at Lansing High School and Dryden Middle School, where he also coached their baseball and wrestling teams. In addition, he volunteered as an IHS Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) tutor. After graduation, Reynolds decided to pursue a teaching position at IHS. “I wanted to stay in Ithaca,” he said. His AVID experience with English Teacher Kimberly Scholl, Associate Principal Colleen Ledley, and Social Studies Teacher Mai An Rumney also influenced his decision to teach at IHS.

Reynolds has enjoyed his experiences here so far. “[Teaching has] been pretty awesome, and a lot of fun,” he said. “The students are also great.” He has enjoyed working with Todd Noyes and Karl Mellander, his course team leaders. Reynolds plans to stay at IHS and hopes to continue teaching algebra and helping with AVID. “I [especially] like [teaching] the younger kids,” he commented. “We also need more AVID teachers.”

Outside school, Reynolds is an avid Cleveland Browns and New York Mets fan. “Just look for the big Browns flag in the window,” he said. In his spare time, he also enjoys watching indoor lacrosse; he is a Rochester Knighthawks fan.

With only two new faces this year, the Math Department has broken away from its recent pattern of high teacher turnover.