NAME:
Michael S. Bass
SCHOOL:
Houston County High School
CLASS:
Geometry and Statistics
SCHOOL PHONE:
931289-4447
My name is Michael Bass, and originally I am from Idaho. I joined the US Army
to earn college money, and then I married my high school sweetheart :) We
have a son who attends the University of Alabama, and my daughter attends
APSU. I spent 22 years in the Infantry, and -as most infantrymen-
deployed several times and had many, many different assignments, including
being a drill sergeant, teaching at the NCO academy, and teaching ROTC. While
teaching ROTC I learned that I loved working with students, so I decided to
make that my second career. I taught Geometry for two years in
Clarksville (NWHS), and was selected as new teacher while I was there.
Despite this, I felt that I would enjoy working out in the country a little
more, since that's where I grew up as well. I have an Associate's degree in
Art, and another in Science. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business, as well
as a Master's degree in business (MBA). I also have a Master's degree in
Teaching (MAT), and you would think I'd be done with school, but I'm not
sure :) My children think I am a professional learner at this point. I just
don't want to miss out on anything! Oh, and I have a Maltese dog (Gracey),
and my son's daschund "Landshark" is usually at our house, and my daughter's
miniature Schnauzer "Zoe" lives with us -so it's a full household :)
I believe every student has the capacity to learn, and it is my job to help
them do that. I believe some students are motivated to learn, while some are
normally not motivated. I believe I have the responsibility to motivate those
students, but ultimately if they choose to refuse to learn, I cannot force
them to. I believe that my classroom should be more than just learning
Geometry or Statistics, it should also be about preparing my students for the
real world - so I try to make my lessons relevant to the real world. I
believe everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. You don't have
to "earn it" -it is inherent within you. I believe that hard work should be
rewarded, which means if you give me your best effort in the classroom, this
will reflect in your grades.