Some teachers always knew they wanted to teach. Tim Morris is not one of them. Before joining the French American Academy as a 4th and 5th grade English teacher at our Englewood campus, Tim worked in marketing, sales, and construction. He also spent two years playing professional basketball in Australia. It wasn’t until he tried substitute teaching that he found what he calls his purpose.

This month, we sat down with Tim to learn more about his path to teaching, what makes the Englewood campus special, and what he hopes his students take away from his classroom.

What brought you to teaching, and what led you to the French American Academy?

I had several jobs before teaching, whether it was marketing, sales, or even working construction. Each one taught me something, but when I began substitute teaching, a fire was lit. I immediately realized teaching was my purpose and passion. Both of my parents being teachers also played a strong part in trying it out.

What do you love most about teaching at the Englewood campus specifically?

Teaching at Englewood is amazing. We have a dedicated and accomplished staff along with a wonderful student base. We have access to local parks, nature walks, and even a large grassy field on campus for students to play on. Access to nature is vital for child development, and this is something our school emphasizes from staff to students, with our crew of Eco-Delegates and students participating in the gardening enrichment program. Our school is also embedded in the community, helping to clean surrounding areas in partnership with the Englewood DPW.

What does co-teaching with a colleague in another language look like day-to-day, and what makes it work well?

Co-teaching with my colleague Guillaume has been very beneficial for our students and for both of our teaching developments. We often bounce ideas off one another and combine our knowledge of students and our foundations in teaching to create fun and engaging lessons. Coming from two different cultures and languages, it becomes a melting pot of ideas and strategies. If a student is struggling with a concept, one of us can break it down for them in a way they understand better.

How do you keep learning fun and curiosity alive as the school year goes on?

Keeping students curious and making the learning fun starts with being passionate about what I am teaching. Knowing students’ likes and interests is also important so you can tweak lessons to match. More times than not, if students see you are excited about a topic, they will show interest as well.

Outside of the classroom, what are you passionate about? Any hobbies, travels, or interests your students might be surprised to learn?

Outside of school, I love playing basketball, watching the Houston Rockets and the San Francisco 49ers, hiking, and observing nature and animals. I spent two years living in Australia on a professional basketball contract, which is something a lot of people are surprised to hear. Eventually, I would like to open a wild animal sanctuary for neglected and abused animals.

If you could share one message with FAA families reading this newsletter, what would it be?

The FAA is a beautiful school with a passionate staff that will go the extra mile to ensure not only safety but also a quality education. We are constantly meeting to discuss ways we can improve the school and the students’ educational experience. My priority is to develop thoughtful, inquisitive, and caring students.