Fourteen and a Half Questions with Ben Mattox
Mr. Mattox has been teaching science at THS for 23 years, currently teaching both Botany and Biology. In addition to his love of poop talk and boobys (species S. dactylatra) Mattox is an excellent educator who really sets himself aside from other teachers. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with him and ask 14 and a half questions.
Q: Where were you born?
A: Toronto, Canada.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Oxford, Ohio. I moved here when I was three.
Q: As a child, what were your interests?
A: Playing outside, exploring the woods and the creek, collecting fossils and insects, baseball cards big-time. After the age fourteen, GIRLS. Oh, and music, always music.
Q: When did you acquire a hankering for teaching?
A: I would say my junior year in college, but my younger sister would say I always liked explaining things to her.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: Twenty-five years.
Q: If you go back, would you be a teacher?
A: Yes, it was the right choice for me.
Q: Have you taught anything besides the sciences?
A: I actually taught orchestra my first nine weeks of teaching. The teacher quit and I had a planning period sixth period so they put me in there.
Q: Do you really have A.D.H.D?
A: I’ve been accused, not infrequently, over the course of my teaching career…but, no.
Q: As an adult, what are your interests?
A: Family, friends, reading, playing music, bird watching, exercising, and seeing movies.
Q: What’s your all time favorite bird?
A: Of the birds I’ve seen, the Blue-footed Booby. I want to see a Masked Booby.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: My number one inspiration is my dad.
Q: Is there one thing you want to do before you die?
A: I’d like to go to the Amazon rainforest.
Q: What’s your favorite class to teach?
A: My favorite is a class of students who ask good questions.
Q: How would you….
A: With great eloquence.
