Introducing Mr. Rogers!

Introducing Mr. Rogers!

Mr. Sam Rogers joined the district this summer as the new K-12 Technology Coordinator and Technology Integrationist.  He’s a former middle school teacher and coach who loves reading and basketball, and he is excited about the opportunity to provide leadership at G-R. Here are some more facts and background on Mr. Rogers:

Name: Mr. Sam Rogers

Position: K-12 Technology Coordinator/Technology Integrationist

College(s) & Degree(s): M.A. Educational Leadership; B.A. Secondary English Teaching

Prior Teaching/Coaching Experience: Most recently taught 7th Grade Literacy at Central Middle School in Waterloo. Prior to that, I taught various English courses at West High for 6 or 7 years while coaching a variety of sports at the middle and high school level.

Thoughts on Technology & Learning: Technology plays such an integral role in our students' learning experience as well as their everyday lives, and I am excited to help teachers continue to provide those experiences, help them learn new skills, and generally make our students' learning experience the best it can be.

Last book you read: The World As It Is by Ben Rhodes

Your all-time favorite book & why: Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut

Favorite author: Kurt Vonnegut

Favorite subject when you were in school: Social Studies and French

Favorite sport or activity in high school: Soccer and basketball

Hometown: Cedar Falls

A funny story from your school days: I threw up in science class the day we dissected baby pigs. I think it was the smell. No one laughed. I'm getting kind of queasy thinking about it right now. I'm not sure if that story was funny or traumatic...

Favorite sport/team: Iowa Hawkeyes

Who was your most influential teacher & why?  Mr. Hoeft, my French teacher. Even at such a young age, I was able to notice how much time and effort he put into his work and his students. It didn't matter how a student presented themselves to his class, he was always going to bring out the best in every kid that walked through his door. He was just a fantastic human being and an even better teacher. He made me want to strive to make an impact like that on students' lives today.

Hobbies: I play basketball early in the morning and read books late at night.

Favorite Superhero: My wife, Amanda - she must have been ordained with magical powers to be able to effectively juggle our lives every single day in the manner that she does.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Rogers to the G-R Rebel family!