Meet the New Teachers!
This year, we welcome new faculty members into the Denali high school staff. You may have already met them, but we interviewed some to help you get to know them a little better. Learn more about Mr. Stevenson, who teaches 10th grade Physics; Ms. Defelice, who teaches 10th grade English; Ms. Sakamoto, who teaches 10th grade History; and Mr. McCoy, who teaches 9th grade History.
Mr. Stevenson
The Grizzly: Where did you go to college? What was your favorite part?
Mr. Stevenson: I went to UC Davis for college. My favorite part of college was playing in the UC Davis Marching Band. It was a lot of fun getting to play music during football games, basketball games, and at other school events.
The Grizzly: What made you want to teach Physics?
Mr. Stevenson: This question is best answered in two parts. I wanted to teach because I enjoy helping people learn new things. . . . I chose to teach physics in particular because I think physics is very interesting because everything that happens in your life is physics. From the smallest particles in the universe out to the movement of the galaxies themselves can be explained by the laws of physics.
The Grizzly: What is the hardest part about teaching at Summit? The best part?
Mr. Stevenson: The best part about teaching at Summit is getting to know all the wonderful students.
The hardest part of teaching at Summit is adjusting to living in the south bay. I am not accustomed to living in such an urban setting.
The Grizzly: What are your hobbies/ what do you like to do outside of school?
Mr. Stevenson: Outside of school I like to spend time with family and friends. When spending time with family and friends I enjoy watching TV shows and movies, going on hikes, and attending important events.
Ms. Defelice
The Grizzly: Where did you go to college? What was your favorite part?
Ms. Defelice: I got my bachelor's degree in Dramatic Arts at UC Davis (Go Aggies!) and my Master's in education at Grand Canyon University (Go Antelopes!). My favorite part was getting to work behind the scenes on a lot of plays and musicals!
The Grizzly: What made you want to teach English?
Ms. Defelice: I chose to teach English because I'm passionate about literature, and I hope to pass that love of reading on to my students! I also hope to open people's minds to the life lessons books can hold.
The Grizzly: What is the hardest part about teaching at Summit? The best part?
Ms. Defelice: The hardest part about teaching at summit is planning challenging lessons that meet everyone's needs while helping students to be more self directed. The best part is seeing the amazing things that students accomplish and the amazing projects they make!
The Grizzly: What are your hobbies/ what do you like to do outside of school?
Ms. Defelice: I love reading (surprising for an English teacher, huh?)! I also grew up right outside of Yosemite National Park, so I love hiking, camping, and anything outdoorsy (cooking over a campfire makes food taste so much better!). I also am a pretty good cook, and love making delicious food. My mac 'n cheese is the best!
Ms. Sakamoto
The Grizzly: Where did you go to college? What was your favorite part?
Ms. Sakamoto: I went to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. My favorite part in terms of academics was a history class called the last empire of Islam. It opened my eyes to history other than the prescribed western history that is often taught in high school. My other favorite part was hanging out in my dorm hall. We had a great dorm floor where everyone kept their doors open and we would all hang out in the hallways, just talking all night.
The Grizzly: What made you want to teach History?
Ms. Sakamoto: I used to hate history until my World history teacher sophomore year. I wanted to make history as interesting for others as she made it for me.
The Grizzly: What is the hardest part about teaching at Summit? The best part?
Ms. Sakamoto: Students are the best part about teaching. Students getting distracted then getting me distracted is the hardest part.
The Grizzly: What are your hobbies/ what do you like to do outside of school?
Ms. Sakamoto:Dancing! I take dance classes every week. I love taking ballet classes, hip hop classes, flamenco classes, etc. I also like going on hikes and exploring the area.
Mr. Mccoy
The Grizzly: Where did you go to college? What was your favorite part?
Mr. Mccoy: I went to the College of Charleston in South Carolina and loved it. I was recruited to race sailboats on the Sailing Team, but truly fell in love with the school, the people and the area. As a kid who grew up in Southern California, the south was a completely different experience and one I will always treasure. One of the great things about my school was the small class sizes. I rarely had a class larger than 15 kids and because of this I can still call up old professors and they remember me. Having the opportunity to make those connections is tremendously valuable.
The Grizzly: What made you want to teach History?
Mr. Mccoy: I believe that if you do not understand the past you cannot effectively work for a better tomorrow.
The Grizzly: What is the hardest part about teaching at Summit? The best part?
Mr. Mccoy: The hardest part and the best part are the students. They are the hardest part because sometimes it is a struggle to help them see what they are doing is important and will impact the rest of their lives, but they are also the best part because when students truly start to get it and learn it is incredibly rewarding as a teacher.
The Grizzly: What are your hobbies/ what do you like to do outside of school?
Mr. Mccoy: Outside of school I like to do anything outdoors, but primarily ocean sports. I love to surf, I race outrigger canoes and sail. I also love to mountain bike, go hiking with my wife and dogs and travel. When I need some downtime I love to cook and read.
