Welcome Mr. Morgan

Mikiela Grimes, mng51@uakron.edu 

Mr. Morgan, a long-term substitute teacher, is bringing enthusiasm, curiosity, and a fresh perspective to the classroom this year. A 2020 graduate of Green High School, Mr. Morgan went on to earn a degree in History with the initial goal of becoming a college professor. However, after completing his degree, he realized that path was not the right fit for him.

Last year, he spent some time working as a substitute teacher, a role he originally took on to help pay for graduate school, but it quickly became something more meaningful. He discovered a genuine enjoyment for teaching and the daily interactions that come with it. “I really enjoy the day-to-day experience,” he explained, adding that his approach to teaching focuses on maintaining both connection and respect in the classroom.

Mr. Morgan believes in building positive relationships with students while still keeping a sense of authority. “It’s easier to connect with students, but you still have to maintain that boundary,” he said. “You can’t let students get away with everything, but you can show them that you respect them.”

Reflecting on his own time as a student, Mr. Morgan encourages current students to participate in as many school events and opportunities as possible. Graduating during the pandemic in 2020 meant that many of his own senior-year experiences were canceled. “I was pretty quiet and shy back then, so I missed out on a lot,” he said. “I always tell students to go to every event they can, you don’t get that time back.”

When it comes to teaching style, Mr. Morgan adapts his lessons depending on the class period and material. He draws on what he remembers from his own school experiences and learns alongside his students, keeping his classes engaging and responsive. “I try to be enthusiastic and adjust as I go,” he said.

One of his biggest goals as a teacher is to help students see the common threads that unite people throughout history. “I want students to realize that we’re more alike than we are different,” he said. “It’s easy to divide ourselves, but history shows that we’ve always had to find ways to work together.”

Outside the classroom, Mr. Morgan has a wide range of interests. He enjoys movies, particularly horror and science fiction and lists The Witch as one of his favorites. He also enjoys classical literature, follows politics closely, and spends his free time playing video games such as Minecraft and Dark Souls.

Looking ahead, Mr. Morgan is still exploring his career path, with interests in government and international relations. For now, he’s excited to be involved in the school community, especially events like pep rallies and class competitions. His dedication, enthusiasm, and thoughtful approach to teaching make him a valued member of the AECHS High School staff.