Algebra teacher Shaun Weiss is the newest math teacher at Linganore High School(LHS), but his addition to the staff is a homecoming of sorts; Weiss graduated from Linganore 30 years ago.
He started his teaching career over 20 years ago at Oakdale High School, where is also the current coach for the girls’ tennis team.
Weiss recounted what inspired him to become a math teacher following his graduation from LHS.
“I took a class that was a careers class, and it was all these tests that pointed you in the career you should go into,” Weiss said. “And the results for me were always teaching and coaching, and I was like, ‘well shoot, I’m good at math; I can teach math.”
When the 2023-2024 school year began, Weiss was warmly welcomed by the math department to teach Geometry and Algebra 2.
“I like the math department,” Weiss said. “I think the collaboration between teachers is good. We share a lot of things.”
Weiss stated that he appreciates the camaraderie within the department.
“We eat lunch together most days, and you have that time away from students where you can kind of relax and connect with other adults,” Weiss said.
In addition to being one of the few staff who teach at the high school they once attended, Weiss has the distinction of being the only teacher in LHS to work alongside his spouse in the same department.
Weiss described a little of what it is like working with his wife.
“I see her at lunch, I see her at the beginning of the day and at lunch,” Weiss said. “But I don’t see her all day, which is probably a good thing; otherwise, I would drive her crazy.”
Jennifer Weiss, wife of Shaun Weiss, has been a math teacher at LHS for the past 16 years. Weiss explained her role in her husband accepting a job as a math teacher at LHS.
“I was the one who suggested that he apply to come over to join the math department,” Jennifer Weiss said. “I think he is a strong teacher and a great addition to the department. I am happy to have him with us and am thrilled that we can now collaborate to support the students at LHS together.”
Junior Dorothy Mcmillen, who is a current Honors Algebra 2 student of Weiss’, described why she enjoys his class.
“I like that if you miss a day or need to look back at the notes, he always has everything posted in Schoology,” Mcmillen said. “It’s organized and easy to find, and it’s an extra step which not all teachers care to take.”
Mcmillen explained what she believes makes Weiss different from other math teachers at LHS.
“He’s a nice and personable teacher,” Mcmillen said. “He doesn’t make you feel bad about asking questions and is very helpful when you need something explained.”
McMillen and others believe the Linganore community is lucky to have Weiss and cannot wait to see him thrive at LHS.
