Beloved teacher Mr. Amir Ghavam is retiring after 14 years of teaching at Clark Magnet High School. He leaves behind many memories and countless lessons shared. Although Mr. Ghavam worked on the space shuttle and international space station programs with NASA, he eventually pursued his love for teaching. He taught myriad math courses in many different schools, even writing textbooks and designing classes. He plans to use his retirement to carve out his future and try some things he’s never tried before.
When did you figure out you wanted to be a teacher?
Seeing me work with students, people in my life told me that I should become a teacher – told me it was my calling – and I promised them that there was no way. During predentistry, I realized not to pursue anything that had to do with heavy memorization. Then I got really interested in working with students, and became a teacher.
What is an unforgettable moment from your career?
It’s been a lot of students telling me how much they consider me as a part of their family.
Sometimes students call me Uncle Ghavam. What a privilege, I’m just a teacher in the classroom,
but they look at me as more than that.
As a teacher, what are your proudest accomplishments?
When my former students go out and make a difference, especially when I realize that they do something that is not just about themselves, it’s not just about making money, it’s not just about a career.
They have a mission to go out and make a difference.
What lesson beyond precalculus did you want to teach your students?
One very important one is humor. I make fun of myself a lot. People need to learn to lighten up. Life is serious, but don’t take it too seriously. Have fun while you’re making a difference. Otherwise, it becomes a burden, it becomes work. My work is hardly ever work.
It’s play. It’s fun.
What will you miss most about teaching?
Seeing the light bulbs that are constantly turning on and all of the “aha” moments. I looked forward to working with my students; it’s what got me out of bed. People who know me know that I actually miss my students, even on the weekends.
What advice would you give to all your students?
Have fun. Make a difference. You haven’t failed if you switch from one thing to another. You have a choice. Have a goal, have a commitment, and live to your commitment.
Is there anything else you would like students or staff to know?
If I had a chance to do it again, I would take it. The fact that my path crossed with many different students, and despite their challenges, and my own, I’ve made it— and I’ve had many successes and failures, but none of them define me.
I’m proud of my accomplishments, but it’s more of having the accomplishments in my students. They did all the work; I’m just proud I was part of it.
