Welcome to a new series called “Tips from Teachers!” Similar to “Faculty Highlights,” “Tips from Teachers” revolves around a special teacher per article; however, rather than focusing on who the teacher is, the focus of these articles is their advice for the students of Vestavia. Everyone has knowledge about life, school, and more that is worth sharing. This series of articles aims to provide insightful and reliable guidance that can be applied to Pillar’s audience and beyond!
For the first article of “Tips from Teachers,” I interviewed Michael Sinnott, who primarily teaches AP Language and Composition. To start, I asked if he had one thing to share with the senior class of Vestavia before they leave for college, what would it be? Mr. Sinnott responded, advising to “take time to make some memories” because “[the year] goes by quickly.” He elaborates, cautioning the senior class that they should not “miss [making these memories] while worrying about college”; however, “once at college, get to know your professors… They hold some of the keys to your success and future [and be sure to] get involved.” He advises to “take classes outside your major because college is the time to do this kind of learning.”
When questioned about guidance for the incoming freshman class he advised one thing: reflection. Rather than a traditional reply, he provided questions for the upcoming freshman class instead. He asked, “What, in addition to a student, do you want to be at the main campus? How can you get involved in a way to make school more than just school?” He continued by stating how VHHS has an abundant number of opportunities so it would be wise to do “some research and reflection” before arriving at high school.
Next, I asked him a simple question. “What do you love most about your job?” Mr. Sinnott replied with the expected answer of “teaching students to write and speak.” But, he did not stop there. Mr. Sinnott explained that “writing and public speaking are deeply empowering [and are] skills [that] help students become more empathetic and engage citizens.” He also added that he loves “the moments in class when everyone in the room knows something special is happening like a great piece of writing was shared or someone opened up about a topic or story.” He describes it as “this metaphorical electricity buzzing in the room.”
“What inspires you?” Mr. Sinnott replied to this question shortly and simply…family, fellow teachers at Vestavia, and the stories of his students. These are his sources of inspiration.
When asked about what makes his class stand out, Mr. Sinnott stated that he “[teaches] through relationships, conversation, and modeling. [He leans] to laughter before lecture.” He teaches his way, and that is what is best for him. Elaborating on his teaching style he states, “Great teaching is deeply personal, so I cannot say it is better.” Rather, for Mr. Sinnott, it is the best way for him to “connect with students to teach them to be the best readers, writers, and speakers possible.”
Habits that Mr. Sinnott believes that everyone should acquire are sleep and sleep hygiene. He shared that if we do not take care of ourselves in our sleep, “we cannot function our best when we are awake.” We should “prepare for sleep the same way each night [and] get enough sleep.” Additionally, it is imperative that we hydrate ourselves properly. “Hydrate or dydrate.”
Mr. Sinnott’s motto is “There’s an essay in that.” When asked about its origin he explained that it was from Dr. Hammersmith, his late Advanced Composition professor at Auburn University. The motto reminds him that he can “pull meaning from all experiences.”
The interview concluded with a piece of life advice that Mr. Sinnott would share with all the students of Vestavia. He endorsed that we should make sure to “pick a good friend group.” The adults in our lives “do and will have a large impact on [us],” but the impact of our friends’ is even greater. “Choose them wisely.”
Thank you to Mr. Sinnott for allowing me to interview him. If anyone reading this has not yet had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Sinnott, I strongly suggest that you do. I hope at the minimum that some part of this interview was fruitful, beneficial, and valuable to you.
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