Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers throughout the district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives. Throughout the next school year, their answers will be published in the newspaper that serves each school district.

Name: Joseph Morsaw

School: Niles High School

Grade(s)/subject(s) taught: 9-12 Earth Science, Delta Math

Where did you attend college? WMU, ND, KVCC

How many years have you been teaching? How many years have you been with your current school? 18 years [and] first year [at Niles High School].

Why did you decide to become a teacher? I enjoyed helping classmates in school understand concepts and homework.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Spending time with my kids while riding bicycles, hiking, or swimming.  Coaching sports, playing card games, and being with family and friends.

What is one thing your students may not know about you? I have traveled to Europe and visited many countries.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? None. Real life has much better characters.

When you were a student in the grade you teach, what were your favorite hobbies?  Favorite hobbies were playing sports with friends, hanging out and playing video games.

How would your co-workers describe your teaching style and personality? Engaging students to compete against each other in activities, labs and work.  Concerned about the students and wishing to see them succeed.

Who is your biggest role model and why?  Biggest role models have been my parents, my sisters, and my three close friends growing up. They have shaped me into the person I am today.

How has education changed in the last 10 years? Too much testing, we have taken education as a fluid, ever changing profession to a rigid, performance based education.  Students need chances to explore their interests.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue growing academically? Make sure they are in a stable classroom environment and school.

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… to love science!