Teacher of the Month: March- Zach Varanini, St. Michael's Episcopal Day School

Name: Zach Varanini

Occupation: Teaches 6th grade Homeroom, History, and Literature and 5th-8th  Spanish at .

Years At School: 9

Education: St. Michael's graduate; graduate, 1995; bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento; master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix; single subject credential in English

Personal:  Lives in Elk Grove and is engaged to Molly Hanstein.

What he likes about teaching:  "You want to be the cool teacher that is (the students') friend but that doesn't work. This age level has a lot of changes. There's a lot of energy and it needs to be channeled in the right way. Teaching is one part actor, one part comedian, one part drill seargeant and one part mentor."

What he does to make learning fun: Teaches using YouTube clips to get the kids more interested in learning.

What influenced him to become a teacher? "When I was younger, I had a few teachers that really helped me form my perspective on life. My two favorite teachers from (Jesuit) high school were Tom Shakely (literature) and Frank Murphy (physics). Both of these teachers helped me discover an ability I did not know I had. They ignited a spark and a desire to learn that had been lacking. It really changed my life; I wanted to be able to do that for future generations of students. I could not imagine anything more rewarding than seeing my former students grow up and become successful and know that I played a small part in their success."

What he likes most about the St. Michael's community: "The nice thing is that parents are business leaders and entrepeneurs who bring an attitude and feeling of success and that builds a second family here. We've got a successful community we can rely on.

Here at school, we really strive to create a 'caring community'. In a recent midterm review by our independent school credential board, they praised the school for creating an atmosphere where the students feel that the teachers care about them and emphasize why it is important to care about your classmates. In my class, I try to reinforce that through class meetings, which I conduct like town halls. I set the tone for the meetings by allowing anyone to openly discuss issues that are important to them without feeling any shame or embarrassment. I usually tell an embarrassing story about myself and tell the students that nothing they have can be more embarrassing than what I said. I try and teach the students manners (letting the girls into the class first, holding the door open for people, etc.) because I have more of an opportunity to demonstrate to them when appropriate manners are called for in a situation. I explain to them that manners are a form of consideration, which is caring about the people around you.

For the alumni, the school is a place where we feel welcome (fellow St. Michael's and Jesuit alum Mark Hackard, '00, teaches 7th grade history and 6th grade Latin at St. Michael's). Like I said, I was an alumnus and came back to the school initially to ask for guidance from a principal I had not been a student of for almost ten years. Still, I remembered fondly my experience and felt it was a good place to start. We have many students, who during their time in high school, will come back to help coach or referee in our athletics department. Last Friday, we had two former students (both sophomores at St. Francis) come back during the afternoon to say hello to their old teachers. Because we are a smaller school with smaller classroom, we really can create a kinship with a student that lasts into adulthood.

Community Involvement: "The 5th grade homeroom teacher, Amy Jensen, and I take students to buy, cook and serve dinner to the women and children at the . It allows the students to serve the community in a new way. It also alters their perceptions about people with whom they would not generally associate.

What do you like about Carmichael? "I like the small town atmosphere while still being under the umbrella of a large city. People know each other here and when you know your neighbors, you tend to care about them. When I hear about former students starring in regional theater productions, playing division one sports or starting law school, I can see the larger impact that has on the families they left in Carmichael. People feel a sense of identity and pride in the area; this leads to people working to make it a better place."

Do you have a favorite Carmichael memory? "When I was a student at Jesuit, I played a few seasons with the Ashton Freebooters; they were the precursor to the Jesuit Rugby club. The team was comprised of students from (the high schools) Rio (Americano), El Camino and Jesuit. While on that team, I got to know people from all over the area. It felt nice to represent an area, not just a school. It has also been fascinating to watch Carmichael grow into a prosperous bustling suburb."

What others say about him:  "He truly is a gifted teacher. He has continued to go back to school and learn how to be a teacher. He's the first person here in the mornings after me. That's what makes him a special teacher." - The Rev. Jesse Vaughan, St. Michael's School headmaster.