Last year, it was announced that the much-loved physics teacher, Brock Miller, was retiring. During over 30 years of teaching at Country Day, Mr. Miller formed many special bonds with students from different generations. What teacher would be able to take his place? I decided to answer this exact question by interviewing the new physics teacher, Mr. David Mavricos. Keep reading to learn some fast facts through a Q&A about Mr. Mavricos, CCD’s newest addition to the science teaching team.
Q: Where are you from? Have you ever taught at another school? If so, where?
A: I grew up in Massachusetts, about an hour west of Boston, and I arrived in Cincinnati seven years ago by way of New York and Washington, DC. I’ve been teaching for six years, five of which I spent at Villa Madonna Academy in Northern Kentucky before coming to CCDS.
Q: What are you interested in? What are some topics you enjoy talking about with other people?
A: Well, I’m curious about a lot of things! Since before I became a teacher, I’ve also been a professional actor, and I help run a non-profit performing arts company. I mostly have worked on stage, but I’ve also made films and podcasts, both as an actor and a producer. I absolutely love Shakespeare, and I could talk all day about my favorite plays. Aside from that, my hobbies include woodworking, making electronic music, and photography. I really just enjoy being creative!
Q: What made you choose CCD over any other school you looked at?
A: When I applied to work at CCDS, it was the only school on my list. I’d heard about how great CCDS is – its academic reputation, of course, but also its reputation for having a really supportive and active community – so when the opportunity came to apply, I couldn’t not do so. I’m excited to be at a school where the students are curious and engaged, and where the community encourages learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
Q: What is something unique to youor your teaching style that you think will have a positive impact on the CCD community?
A: I love to have fun in my classes, so whether it’s demos or labs, or even, yes, solving complex math problems, I always try to find the joy in what we’re doing, and hopefully I inspire my students to feel the same way! I think of physics and science in general as a creative endeavor: We’re really just trying to come up with creative ways to solve complex problems. Additionally, I try to model my teaching after one of my favorite college theater professors. When you were in his class, you knew you were there to work and work hard, but you also knew you were going to have a good time. He’d challenge you to reach your highest potential in a way that was compassionate, patient, and galvanizing. I try to reflect that in my own teaching style.
Q: What was your favorite part of high school? What was your favorite subject, sport, or event?
A: In terms of favorite subject, I of course loved physics and calculus, but I also really enjoyed AP Lit and World History. I didn’t really play sports in high school, but I was a theater kid, so I was always excited for rehearsing shows, building sets, and preparing for opening nights. Getting to be a part of that community was so much fun and so fulfilling. Of all events, I think I most looked forward to the first day of school when there was so much possibility and anticipation of what was to come.
Of course, there is much more to know and learn about Mr. Mavricos that will be discovered as the school year goes on. I hope that after reading this article, each student is excited to meet and get to know him. Even though many people are sad that Mr. Miller will not be their physics teacher, Mr. Mavricos will form bonds like Mr. Miller did and make students just as excited to enter his classroom each day. If you see him in the hallway, give him a warm welcome to Country Day and strike up a conversation about your favorite Shakespeare play.
