TeacherTalks With Kurtz
Welcome to “Teacher Talks” with Mr. Kurtz
As an award-winning (and now retired) high school science teacher with 35 years in public education, I've had the pleasure (or maybe the challenge!) of teaching over 3500 students the wonders of biology and science research.
But here's the twist – I've always wondered: where did all those students end up? And more importantly, did I have any impact on their lives?
Join me on a journey of discovery as I embark on the ultimate teacher challenge: tracking down my former students, who called me Kurtz, to uncover how their earlier education, including my own, influenced the trajectory of their lives. In each episode, I sit down with some of my former pupils, some of whom I haven't spoken to in 30 years, to get the answers we've all been waiting for.
But wait, there's more! "Teacher Talks" isn't just about satisfying my curiosity – it's also a resource for educators, parents, and current students alike. Together, we'll explore career choices and the myriad paths that lead young people to their life and career destinations.
So, whether you're a seasoned educator, a curious parent, or just someone wondering where your high school classmates ended up, tune in to "Teacher Talks" for a journey through education, nostalgia, and the unpredictable twists of life's journey.
Mr. Kurtz is inviting you to listen in.
TeacherTalks With Kurtz
Raphael: Turning Challenges into Opportunities in the Face of Climate Change (SSHS)
In this episode of TeacherTalks with Kurtz we join Raphael, a former student of mine at Southside High School in Rockville Centre, who graduated in 2003. Raphael's passion for climate change policy and local solutions has taken him on international journeys and internships, where he developed a deep understanding of the environmental challenges people face daily.
Today, Raphael lives in a small town in British Columbia, where he faces the harsh realities of climate change head-on. From severe droughts impacting his community to crafting worst-case environmental models, he plays a pivotal role in helping local leaders adapt and prepare for the future.
Join us as we explore Raphael's inspiring journey—how he identifies challenges, fosters solutions, and champions resilience in the face of one of humanity's greatest crises