From Physics to Physical

Sam Hartman leads WAHS football team during the civil war game against South Albany High School Thursday night on Oct. 14

Photo by Hailey Miles

INSIDE THE MIND OF PRECALCULUS TEACHER AND FOOTBALL COACH SAM HARTMAN

By Jose Lopez

The new math teacher at WAHS has been regarded as a great example to all students. Sam Hartman, the 26 year old new teacher. His choices raise one big question, why is this man spending his life as a math teacher?

WW: What town did you grow up in? Hartman: “I grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa. A bigger town, it’s the capital of Iowa. I saw a lot more farming areas. So there’s no mountains or anything. We just see a lot of corn and soybean fields everywhere… It’s a lot different from here.¨

WW: How would you describe your high school experience? Hartman: “Valley high school. In Iowa… It was awesome. I loved it. I had great friends. I had great teachers. It was a ton of fun.”

WW: Do you prefer Oregon or Iowa? Hartman: ¨The scenery here is much better. But it was nice being back in Iowa with my family as well. So there’s pros and cons to both.¨ WW: Why has your career path gone under constant change? Hartman: ¨My career path changed a couple times…. I did some research stuff in physics and astrophysics. And then I changed. And I was a college football coach for a couple years. But I really liked the teaching aspect of it and I kinda missed talking about math and physics. My favorite part about coaching is helping young people learn and grow and develop. I felt like becoming a math teacher would be a good way to get that and also kinda exercise my math skills¨

WW: Do you think you will have another sharp turn in your career in the future? Hartman: “I don’t think there would be a big turn in my career, but I can definitely see myself teaching physics classes here. And I would really like to teach an astronomy class. I think that would be really fun and exciting for me. So hopefully in the future Ill be able to get that going¨ WW: Do you in any way regret this decision? Hartman:”No, its been awesome, I really enjoy coming to school everyday. It’s very exciting for. So no, not at all. I love it, I love it here. Its been a great change, Im a lot happier and more excited to come to work now. “

WW: What college did you graduate from and with what degree? Hartman: “St. Cloud State University… I graduated in December of 2018. Astrophysics. Physics in outer space. And a minor in math…. My brain is more wired to physics and math. I think there’s not that big difference between physics and math. Like physics is just applied math so it’s harder. I don’t think I have a preference between physics and math. So I can see myself teaching both physics and math.”

WW: What do you feel students can learn from your life choices? Hartman: I think; one, just learning that it’s okay to pivot your life direction. Like its okay if I decide, oh I think I would be happier, more excited to come to work today if I was a teacher. Its okay to drop what you’re doing and go become a teacher.”