By Kian Kiasaleh | Writer & Bennett Secrest | Writer
February 11, 2015
It’s his fourth year teaching math at SCHS and Mr. O’Rourke continues to help his students understand all of the confusing equations and make those endless block periods bearable through his unique teaching approach. Outside of the classroom, Mr. O’Rourke goes from math enthusiast to outdoorsman as he embarks on hikes and goes on runs in his spare time.
“Teaching is what I want to do at this point in my life,” he confides while reflecting on his various careers. As a teen, Mr. O’Rourke began working at a grocery store in his home state of New York. After graduating college, he went on to serve in the navy as a pilot.
Since then, Mr. O’Rourke hasn’t remained tied down to one career, as he’s worked a range of jobs in engineering, medical sales, and real estate. Now teaching high school math, Mr. O’Rourke notes that the most rewarding aspect of it is the interaction with the students. Although it can be difficult when students who need help don’t want it, Mr. O’Rourke ultimately enjoys inspiring his students.
Other than the students, Mr. O’Rourke’s favorite thing in his classroom is his miniature gong. Students hit it to transition from group discussion to paying attention to them explaining a math problem to the class. “I like it because it’s different and nobody else has a gong,” he commented.
Throughout Mr. O’Rourke’s class, there are multiple pieces of artwork by many of the most esteemed surrealist artists of history, including Salvador Dali and M.C. Escher. Mr. O’Rourke has immense appreciation for these pieces of art due to the geometric and shape oriented nature of the artworks. This of course, is due to the fact that he is a math teacher and appreciates how unique the artwork is, along with the incorporation of mathematical elements in the art.
Mr. O’Rourke’s favorite gemstones consist of both aquamarine and peridot, due to the fact that they are the birthstones of his two daughters, whom he spends an immense amount of time with doing family activities.
Although he has accomplished many feats and goals, Mr. O’Rourke feels that a life goal he would like to accomplish is to climb Mount Everest. He stated that, “Although it may be extremely expensive, I believe that it would be a satisfying, life-changing experience.” Another life goal of Mr. O’Rourke’s is to compete in an “Iron Man” marathon/competition.
While still teaching at SCHS, Mr. O’Rourke is also looking into teaching at a junior college during the evening and over the summer. This is due to his love of teaching and helping others learn and grow.
As a proud and loving father, an esteemed teacher, a veteran navy pilot, and an all-around amazing human being, Mr. O’Rourke is bound to do great things in the future, along with inspiring and changing the lives of many students he comes into contact with. We, the SCHS family, are very grateful for Mr. O’Rourke’s presence at our school and thank him for all of his outstanding deeds.
What a well written piece of work, who ever had the brilliant idea to choose MR.O as the subject of review has my respect any day of the week you are most certainly raising the bar.
MR.O!! He makes great cookies!
MR.O!!! He makes the best cookies!