Among the two new teachers in the math department is Mr. Jared Hiller. Having attended Paul VI High School and then Rider College for his degrees in secondary education and math, this is Hiller’s first year teaching after completing student teaching at Beck Middle School in Cherry Hill last year.
Hiller said he has always wanted to become a teacher after being influenced by his former teachers.
“I always wanted to become a teacher since I was in middle school, eighth grade. I had one teacher who really helped me out with that,” Hiller said.
While math comes easily for Hiller, he said he also really enjoyed English as a student. Besides his eighth grade math teacher, Hiller said his sophomore Algebra II teacher and his college professors fostered a love of math in him for which he said he is grateful for since it led to his current success.
“I tried to achieve a lot, just preparing myself for college, and it shows because I expect a lot from my students, and have a high standard of teaching,” Hiller said.
In his first months at CHS, Hiller said he has enjoyed interacting with his students. He spoke about how he likes to see students achieve their “light bulb moment.”
As for how he helps students get to this “aha-moment,” Hiller said his teaching philosophy includes helping students out in any way possible.
“I would say engaging lessons and thought-provoking questions, and the process that goes into learning and not just the answer, but why they are getting that answer,” Hiller said.
When not teaching math at CHS, Hiller noted his other interests: reading and dancing.
“I like to read books, and it takes up some time. I also enjoy dancing and teaching dance outside of school,” Hiller said.
As a Paul VI alum, Hiller said he was involved in numerous extracurricular activities throughout his high school career, including National Honor Society, a board game club, and a dance club. Now as a teacher, Hiller said he would like to participate in extracurricular activities that involve his interests.
“I would love to help with the play this year, if I could, because I enjoy dancing. I also would like to participate in the math league,” Hiller said.
Though he has only been a Pirate for a few months, Hiller said he loves the culture that has been established at CHS. He described the culture at CHS as very lively, and he likes how students treat each other as family.
“All the students and faculty are very nice,” Hiller said. “It is really nice to be a part of a community.”
As a young teacher, Hiller said he hopes to establish himself as a core member of the math department for years to come.
