New Teacher Interviews: Mr. Listro

New Faculty

Interviewed by Charlie Wortman

Q: What subject do you teach? / What is your position here at Hamden Hall?

A: I teach algebra 1 and algebra 2, and I'm the SAT-prep program coordinator.

Q: What would you like your students to know about you?

A: That my philosophy is this: if you're learning and not having fun, you're doing something wrong.

Q: What advice do you have for students?

A: Your most precious resource is time; don't squander it.

Q: What’s your favorite topic/unit that you teach? (Why?)

A: There is only one topic: life. Why? Because there is only one topic: life.

Q: Where can students find you for extra help?

A: I'm available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday during the Upper School extra-help block. I meet middle-schoolers for extra help every Tuesday and Thursday during their extra help time.

Q: What do you like about Hamden Hall thus far? (community, lunch, students, campus, etc.)

A: The welcoming atmosphere.

Q: What emoji represents you best? (Why?)

A: I find myself making that face.

Q: How did you decide to work in education?

A: I didn't really. I just stayed in school until teaching was all I was fit to do.

Q: What are some of the challenges you face during COVID?

A: The impersonality of remote teaching was very difficult. It stripped education of its humanity.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

A: My wife. She's the greatest person I know.

Q: What’s your……

Favorite book?

A: There are too many books important to me to pick a favorite. Perhaps the book that influenced my thinking most is Language and Human Behavior by Derek Bickerton.

Favorite color?

A: Gray.

Pet peeve?

A: When people don't clean up their messes, literally and figuratively.

Catchphrase?

A: "Does that make sense?"

Hidden Talent?

A: I can throw a frisbee like Captain America.

Favorite subject in school as a kid?

A: Geometry

Favorite Animal?

A: My deceased Australian Shepherd, Zoe.

Favorite thing to do in your free time (hobbies)?

A: Read.