December Teacher Q+A Part One- Mr. Kates

Mr. Kates

The Q+A- two student, two teachers, each month. This month we sat down with librarian Mr. David Kates.

Conducted by Leigh Jacobson

Editor-in-Chief

Common misconception about teachers: We like to discipline students. It’s a necessary hassle.

Most creative gift, given or received: One of my books (which are memoirs in poetry). The best gifts are “hand made.”

Movie you’ve seen the most: “U2: Rattle and Hum.”

Book you’ve read most: The Catcher in the Rye.

Fictional character you identify with: Holden Caulfield.

Obsolete item you won’t trash: Pac-Man video game device.

What you wanted to be at age 10: Certainly NOT a librarian!

Student pet peeve: Being self-centered and not thinking about community.

Procrastination technique: Taking a nap.

Secret hobby: Writing outside, in the mountains.

Favorite historical figure: Martin Luther King, Jr. The man could speak to the heavens and truly make people believe.

Favorite piece of art in your home/anywhere: An oil painting of a large pear. It’s delicious.

Movie star you always wanted to be: Woody Allen (sometimes).

Favorite gadget: My piano (which I’m finally learning to play).

Topic you love but won’t discuss at a party: Cataloging…

The last meal you had: Veggie lasagna.

Funniest English word(s): Periwinkle.

Most memorable teaching experience: College essay writing workshop.

Most-visited website, why: American Memory historical collections from the Library of Congress: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html. I’m gaga about primary sources! Just ask the poor students who I helped with research last week.

Favorite cancelled-too-soon TV show: “My So-Called Life” (mid-90s teen drama).

Most beloved/interesting item at your office desk: MCHS staff photo, 2011-2012.