Teacher Feature: Mr. Thomas Gray
By Scotlyn Mascarelli
Mr. Gray is a heavily respected teacher here at NPX, teaching both Medieval History and Economics along with leading the Strength and Conditioning Team. He had made it his career to educate middle schoolers and high schoolers of a large variety and to help them to learn and grow in their careers as students.
Mr. Gray attended 5 different high schools in Arizona, Texas, Maryland, and Virginia in four years. In high school, he was involved in the shot and discus events in track and field, was the class clown, and had memorable history teachers whom he got along with. Mr. Gray hardly studied which made him learn a very painful lesson by the time he got to college. How he managed was by learning time management, note taking, and study skills all from scratch and really treating his career as a student like a job. He prioritized his work and scheduled all planned assignments by giving himself deadlines to work his way up and improve as a student.
When attending the University of Northern Colorado to get his Masters Degree, he was presented the opportunity to work as a TA for American history and had to make the decision to make all of his preparations during his winter break. He said “yes” without knowing what he was getting into and discovered how much work went into it, but also how much joy it brought him. He proceeded to teach American history at UNC for 3 semesters and has also taught at Grand Canyon University. During his career, a friend of his from GCU had recommended the Great Hearts School District (specifically North Phoenix Prep) for his daughter to attend school. By the end of her 7th grade year, Mr. Gray came here to teach, and he is now in his second year as a part of the NPX staff.
What is something that your colleagues and/or students may not know about you?
“I was and still am a Trekkie (
Star Trek
fan) and it
kills
me that my daughter hates it and likes
Star Wars
instead.”
Any advice for your students?
“Learn the material, learn the subject, then the grades will come. In that order.”
As a fellow Scott, I’m curious to know what makes you wear a kilt to Field Day?
“I’ve competed in the Highland Games for several years all over Arizona and the competitive, sporty nature of Field Day inspires me to wear it.”
For more student journalism and news, read the
ACTA GLADIATOR
, North Phoenix Prep’s student newspaper.
