The whole school knows Mr. Maggi’s name. He is an Honors and AP Chemistry teacher who has been teaching for 35.5 years. A few weeks ago, his students completed the element project. Mr. Maggi explains the project: “My students create a wall-sized Periodic Table in which each student is responsible for creating one element assigned to them by random draw. Each element is 8.5 x 11 in., and the entire periodic table is displayed on the wall of the lab. Once it’s all up and you stand far enough away, it looks pretty cool. There are required criteria to follow such as overall size, border color, atomic number and mass, history, examples, etc. Oh, I almost forgot… no loose glitter! Students have the chance to be creative because they can design their element any way they want.” The element project is an annual “…tradition. I like it in my room. It gives students a chance to use their creative skills while doing a little bit of research.”
Mr. Maggi has spent a lot of time grading the element project. He reveals “…I don’t necessarily “like” to grade, especially if students aren’t giving their best effort. I’m too old to waste time reading sloppy and careless work. I require students to take pride in their work and not insult me (or any of their teachers for that matter) by submitting less than their best. When students are doing their best, then grading has a purpose and then it can become rewarding to see the student’s learning and growth.” Because, for the most part, his students submit good work, it is “…easy and not a chore to grade.” Mr. Maggi says that, when he grades, “…I am fair.” He cares a lot about what he grades and makes sure that it is just.
When asked how he decided he wanted to teach, Mr. Maggi replied, “I never really “decided to want” to teach, although I did consider it when I was in High School. I was working construction and going to school at USF studying Chemical Engineering when the program was relatively new. It was difficult to get into some of the required classes because there were so many students. I decided to get certified to teach chemistry so I could teach while I finished school. I thought I would teach maybe two or three years… It’s been 35 years.” He further explains what sparked his love with chemistry. He tells us, “I really liked chemistry in high school. I was good at it. The experience I had in chem was also because I had an excellent teacher. I liked and respected him. He was a nerd, but a cool nerd. He had high standards and expectations of his students, but it was always fun as well.” Now that he is a chemistry teacher, he says, “I never really think about what I “love” about teaching. I just do the best I can.” Mr. Maggi’s best is as good as it can get. He teaches lessons that allow his students to learn while being entertained.
There are always rumors about when Mr. Maggi will retire. He throws around the idea all the time. However, when asked about it directly, he clarifies, “I really don’t know for sure. I retire every year, but I keep coming back! I guess I’ll retire when my wife retires from teaching or when she lets me. But seriously, I might have one more year in me.” No matter when he retires, Mr. Maggi has impacted the lives of many students.
