We are proud to announce that Mr. Roy Chancellor is joining our faculty next year!
Mr. Chancellor earned a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University. In addition, he earned an advanced graduate certificate in statistics from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a post-baccalaureate teacher certification from Rio Salado College.
He has taught at Mesa Community College, Saguaro High School, and Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, one of our sister Great Hearts Academies. Mr. Chancellor was a founding faculty member at Scottsdale Prep and was the primary shaper of its math curriculum for the first five years, having taught all courses for grades 7-12. All told, Mr. Chancellor brings 12 years of total teaching experience to our math students at North Phoenix.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Chancellor has industrial experience as a manufacturing engineer with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, as a statistician with Intel, as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt with Rogers Corporation, as a mechanical engineer with Orbital Sciences Corporation, and as a process engineer with W. L. Gore and Associates.
Our students prepared a few questions for Mr. Chancellor:
What did you do before you became a teacher?
I worked as a manufacturing and process engineer in the electronics and aerospace industries for a total of 14 years before becoming a full-time teacher. Growing up, I always loved figuring out how things work and explaining them to others, both of which are big parts of being an engineer and a teacher. While I really liked the interesting products and machines I worked on, the call to become a teacher proved too great. I became a full-time teacher 12 years ago and truly love my time in the classroom!
How do you best connect with students?
I best connect with students by seeing them as young adults that could someday be my colleague. I meet my students where they are and get to know them as people rather than as mere recipients of knowledge. One of my engineering mentors often said that his primary job was to help those under his leadership become ready to take his job. By taking a long-term view of my students, I focus on their growth rather than getting immediate results at a particular moment in time. I also use humor liberally to create a joyful environment, yet approach each class with serious purpose.
What do you look for as signs of positive engagement?
Some signs are obvious, such as taking notes every class or doing the daily homework problems, but by far the best sign of student engagement is the "curiosity" questions they ask. I love when my students wonder why things work in addition to how. The why questions promote the best class discussion and are the most intellectually enjoyable. Other signs of positive engagement are coming to class with a sharp-looking uniform, with all materials required for learning, and with a smile.
What interests do you have that might support a club?
I enjoy activities that involve being outside. At the top of the list is motorcycle riding (dirt and street), followed closely by hiking, and occasionally 4-wheel driving. I live near North Phoenix Prep and love hiking the mountain trails in the immediate area such as Lookout Mountain. Sounds like a hiking/outdoor club! I also enjoy computer programming when there is time and often integrate elements of programming into my classes.
Welcome to North Phoenix Prep, Mr. Chancellor!
