Spencer Somerville
Position:
Geometry Teacher, Freshman Football and Softball Coach
Contact:
(817) 305-4700 ext. 2125
Homework:
I keep updated calendars (per 6-weeks) and announcements concerning homework, quizzes, and tests on my webpage:
Education:
High School: A.N. McCallum High School, Austin, TX
College: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Degree: Bachelor’s of Environmental Design (May 2002)
Background:
After graduating from college, I worked for three years in an architectural firm as a
project manager, first in San Antonio, TX, and then in Dallas. However, I eventually found
myself largely unfulfilled by my occupation, and realized that architecture is simply not for
me. I had worked as a summer camp director throughout college, and I found myself more and
more convinced that I was being called to a similar line of work.
So, instead of completing my license registration process as an architect, I opted to switch
careers. Having spent many, many hours drawing shapes and buildings, it only made sense that I
teach geometry! This is my second year teaching and coaching at CHHS, and I am excited to
about my second year as a Panther!
Educational Philosophy:
There is no student (or teacher, for that matter) who cannot learn. It is a matter of
motivation. Every individual is motivated by vastly different factors; and it is the job of
teachers to identify the motivating forces in each student, and then capitalize on them.
Similarly, each student arrives in the classroom with a unique set of academic assets and
original thoughts to offer his/her classmates. The teachers’ job then, is to help the
student share his/her valuable perspective. Every member of a classroom—both students and
teacher—have something to learn from every other individual surrounding them, every day.
Finally, learning is not forced. It is nurtured and encouraged through the relationship
between teacher and student. If the student understands that a teacher truly cares about
him/her as an individual, and not just another entry in the gradebook, then that student will
perceive that they are part of a team of learning!