Center for Catholic Education at UD

By Victoria Schoen

We are happy to introduce Paul Jarzynka to our readers! Paul is a 24 year old from Jackson, Michigan. He graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio and he is in his second year in the Lalanne program. Paul is a part of the Lansing (LaLaLansing) community and he is teaching at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School in East Lansing, MI. Continue reading to see how Paul answered the interview questions we asked him:

What is your favorite subject to teach? I teach middle school math and my favorite overall topic that I teach is simplifying rational expressions.

What is your favorite subject to learn? Physical Education

What is the one most important thing that you want your students to learn from you or take away from your teaching? I want students to be able to problem solve.  You probably won’t be working with radicals or simplifying rational expressions on a daily basis, but you will need to problem solve.  So teaching students to persevere and work through various math problems is my ultimate goal.

Who is your role model? Describe them: My parents and two siblings are my role models.  I aspire to live Christ like they do and treat others with the care, compassion, and selflessness that they do on a daily basis.

How were you inspired to become a teacher? My two high school math teachers, Mrs. Leathead and Mrs. Larner, were unbelievable influences on my math career.  They were the reason why I majored in math in college and I believe their model also played a huge role in the reason that I am a teacher today.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I want to change the world and being a teacher is one way that I can use my God-given gifts and talents to help make that happen.

Why do you want to teach in Catholic schools? I love Catholic schools and attended one from kindergarten through college.  I absolutely love being able to talk about my Catholic faith and also see this opportunity as a way to give back to Catholic education.

What are three fun facts about you?

1. I played in two NCAA Tennis Tournaments while at Franciscan U.

2. I am a fruit snack connoisseur.

3.  I have four fun facts.

4.  I am a semi-professional elbow (and occasionally forearm) model.

If you could teach anywhere in the world where would you teach? It would be pretty hype to teach in Hawaii or somewhere with palm trees, but I think it would be really awesome to teach in a third-world country.

Tell us anything else you would like the readers to know about you…

 I like to have Honey Nut Cheerios with Silk Almond milk for breakfast every morning with a large glass of ice cold diet water.  Go Barons!

Here is what other members of the Lalanne Program say about Paul:

“Many people do not know that Paul has a deep dedication to the Bachelor and Bachelorette shows.  This year he guessed who was going to win during the first episode and was right.  I think he can see into the future.”

“Paul is dedicated to encouraging and assisting anyone he meets.”

“There are only two words that come to mind when thinking of Paul: let’s go. He brings more motivation to the classroom than Richard Simmons does to the workout room. He pumps up his students with an energy and eagerness to learn more about math and God. He pulls in Catholic values to teach his students good sportsmanship towards others and responsibility.”

“Paul is a goofball full of hilarious stories about his friends and students. He makes some pretty great music videos. He can also rock a pair of Crocs.”

“Paul is a bundle of competitive joy, always looking to have fun and be the very best.”