The Hook

A Little Insight from the Seniors to the Upper School...

by Michael S. ('14) and Thomas J. ('14)

When thinking about the most intimidating teachers at Charlotte Country Day School, there are many different variables that make them intimidating. There’s physical intimidation, emotional intimidation, and psychological intimidation. The most intimidating teachers have some, if not all, of these features. Just because a teacher is intimidating, doesn’t mean they are not nice or a good teacher. In fact, all of the teachers on this list are very nice and are amazing teachers. Without further adieu, we present CCDS’s most intimidating (but great) teachers.

 

Michael’s Top 4

 

4. Starting off the list is Mr. Bach who dominates the physical intimidation category. Standing at 7’7”, 300 pounds, Mr. Bach looms over his defenseless students while they take their tests, daring them to cheat and see how he responds. He is one man that I would certainly not make angry.

 

3. The next pair of people on this list may come as a surprise. These two outstanding librarians are some of the nicest ladies I have ever met, but if you dare enter their fortress with food or water, you will face the wrath. Also, being loud and obnoxious and sitting on carrels can cause problems, especially if you happen to break them. I have done all of these things (except break a carrel) and it has never ended well.

 

2. Coming in at number three is Mr. Collins’ accent is one of the coolest/most intimidating things about him. There is no other teacher that has an accent like it. If you are unfortunate enough to cause a rift with him, it can be scary with the accent and his cloak.

 

1.The most intimidating teach at CCDS is Mrs. Carey, the face of the Upper School. She greets everyone with a smiling face as they enter the school, and is one of the nicest people in the office. But get on her bad side, and you might as well stop coming to school. She is from New York so she plays by a whole different set of rules…street ball if you will. Whenever you see Mrs. Carey, you greet her and compliment her, or else....

 

Thomas’s Top 4

 

4. Topping off the list we have Mr. McNish. Putting fear into the hearts of 9th graders is an everyday occurrence for Mr. McNish, but he’s actually a softie when he cracks a smile. Outside of the classroom he is an all-around great guy, but when that second bell rings for class to start, oh boy does he mean business.

 

3. My next intimidator is Ms. Miller (Stephanie) who is one of Country Day’s fine trainers who tends to athletes who have been hurt in action. Steph is awesome but I would never ever talk back to her or horse around with any of the training equipment. She demands respect and we love her for it. She’s also not afraid to let you know when you step out of line.

 

2. Mr. Touma is the runner up intimidator. Whenever I’m about to talk to Mr. Touma, I think to myself, “don’t say something stupid, don’t say something stupid, don’t say something stupid.” And I almost always end up saying something stupid anyhow. Many people don’t know how loud Mr. Touma can yell, but after playing lacrosse for him for three years, trust me, his voice can be really, really loud. It’s not a good idea to argue with Mr. Touma, interrupt Mr. Touma, or talk back to Mr. Touma. Those are some of Country Days golden rules right there.

 

1. The most intimidating teacher I have ever had is Mr. Gawle. He is the most energetic person I have ever met, and it sometimes takes me off guard because it he is super energized for science and saving the world. I remember one time I missed a homework assignment in his class. I’m not going to make that mistake again. Never again. But do not be scared to take a class with Mr. Gawle. I took Marine biology and loved it. Just be ready for a tsunami of scientific energy.