Via HR Imaging
With the loss of a longtime science teacher who was the jack of all trades, we welcome a newcomer who has big shoes to fill. Mr. Lawrence is up to the task, he loves all things science, and aspires to bring not only his motivation for teaching to the classroom but also his passions outside of the classroom as new extracurriculars such as engineering and chess clubs.
Growing up in Pekin, he didn’t exactly know what he wanted to do when he was younger, and he never stuck with one career path. From wanting to become an actor, to a paleontologist, mayor, and a pro athlete, then finally landing on science teacher, following in his parents footsteps in the pursuit of public teaching.
Living his whole life in the Peoria area he has been around the bigger schools yet he decided to come teach here. He decided on Dee-Mack because of its size as well as the close proximity to his residence. Dee-Mack also gives him the opportunity to continue his career in education and doing what he loves.
Becoming a teacher was more straightforward than his childhood aspirations as he knew exactly what he was going for. He earned his Associate’s Degree at Illinois Central College, then to Illinois State University to finish out with his Bachelor’s Degree in Earth and Space Science Teaching Education.
Curious students have wondered, “What is the deal with the hedgehogs?” Throughout his student teaching experience, his cooperating teacher had rats as a class pet. He explained to her how one of his childhood teachers had a hedgehog as a class pet as it was a unique class pet to have. Unfortunately, it is illegal to buy hedgehogs in the state of Illinois and as a solution, his cooperating teacher bought him a succulent in the shape of a hedgehog. Since then, he has received gifts from his friends related to hedgehogs. Having hedgehogs in his classroom is something fun and unique that makes him smile as he walks into his classroom every morning!
If you have any classes with Mr. Lawrence, expect to walk into a classroom full of creativity and excitement to learn about science and the fun activities that he will be teaching. Remember to treat him with the same respect and kindness you do every other teacher at Dee-Mack!