The School recently welcomed Ben DiNardo as the new Upper School Science Teacher. DiNardo discussed his excitement for the first year, and his love for scuba diving.
What has brought you to Brimmer?
My wife took a job in Boston at the Boston Children’s Hospital, which led me to Boston. I had been teaching at an independent school in Manhattan for over 20 years, so I was looking for something that felt similar. My old school community was important to me so I wanted to find a school that had that same sort of feeling–and I would say Brimmer not only has it but surpasses it.
How have your first days been?
The start of the school has been great. It’s tricky because of course everything’s new, but the student body is amazing. [There is] really great and respectful energy from everyone. I’ve really enjoyed being here and the faculty is super welcoming, so it’s been a great experience so far (being at camp helped with that too).
What classes do you teach?
I teach three sections of Chemistry, one section of the advanced physics, and then one section of marine science.
What is your favorite out of the three?
It’s like asking for somebody’s favorite children in a way (I only have one kid, so I don’t have to worry about that).
In terms of the sciences, I think each one brings something different. I’ll admit when I started off in education, I was more a physics person, but I’ve always taught chemistry. I really love the chemistry experiments. I love how some of the concepts can be really difficult and then the joy of someone figuring it out is a really good experience. Physics on the other hand, explains the way things work. And then [for] marine science, you get to work and learn with all these incredible organisms. There’s so much things that get discovered all the time in marine science.
What are you most excited for the school year?
Becoming part of the community and getting to know people better. I’m excited for everything: going to a soccer game, a basketball game or to go see the play. Just to be involved in the life of the school because I really love it, and it’s been a really great experience so far.
What aspects do you consider most important in your classroom?
For me, a big part is getting to know students and helping them learn in total, not necessarily the topics. I’d rather them learn about how to learn, how to problem-solve, and how to make smart choices as they go forward in life, because they might not all do something in the sciences. They all need to be able to communicate well. It’s really fun when you have somebody who doesn’t like to speak in public and they go up and do a really great presentation–you can see that growth not just in the sciences but in the person.
What are your goals for the end of the year?
The big thing for physics is the six flag trip, so I am looking forward to that. I’m not sure about for chemistry, but I think that the nice thing about chemistry is you get to experience some really interesting experiments throughout.
What you like to do outside of school?
I like to read a lot, [especially] fantasy science fiction. Although if somebody suggests a book, I’m willing to give it a shot. I have a daughter who’s at Northeastern, so whenever I get a chance to I try to see her. I recently got certified about two years ago in scuba and so when I get a chance I try to do scuba or even snorkeling.
