Ryan Hamilia, also known as “Mr. H,” is a paraprofessional at Norwood High School. His job is to help students with different learning needs succeed by giving extra support, adapting lessons, and working with families and other teachers.
Q: How long have you been teaching at NHS?
A: So I have been at NHS for about a year and a half, going on two years.
Q: How do you feel about teaching at NHS?
A: I really enjoy being at NHS because it’s given me the opportunity to meet a bunch of people and work in different classrooms.
Q: Do you have any previous careers?
A: So before I came to Norwood, I did work at a special education school for about fourteen years in grades nine and ten, and I also worked in a residential facility helping kids with emotional and learning disabilities.
Q: What made you interested in teaching?
A: I would say what made me interested in teaching is that a bunch of my aunts were teachers, and I always liked history in school, so I thought that would be something I would try to achieve.
Q: Are there any challenges you have with teaching?
A: I would say the biggest challenge is trying to motivate students who are either exhausted or just aren’t really motivated that day, so just trying to make students to focus on the tasks.
Q: What has been a rewarding thing about your job?
A: I would say the amount of growth that students make over the years is something I really enjoy seeing.
Q: And last question, what has been your favorite memory?
A: My favorite memory would probably have to be when Ms. Nottebart ordered Crumbl cookies, and we were able to share them with everybody in WIN block.
