Despite the many classes offered at Plant, there is a limited assortment of teachers; students commonly know that a teacher can either make or break a class. As such, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology teacher Kurt Thoreson maintains a reputation for being challenging but fair; his class is not one you can miss and still expect to pass easily.
“I was teaching at Robinson for 5 years, and it wasn’t working out, so I moved to Plant for a new opportunity,” Thoreson said, describing why he came to Plant.
Thoreson is focused on keeping his students consistently on task throughout the year, although this is not simply to meet a quota or maintain a high pass rate on the final exam—it is because he genuinely wants to see his students succeed inside and outside the classroom.
When Thoreson was asked what his favorite part of being an AP Biology teacher is, he responded, “Seeing students that went to college and hearing about how much I and my course have helped them.”
Despite Thorson’s love for teaching in the classroom and his class’s long-lasting impression on past students through their college years, he does not intend to stay in a classroom forever. While Thoreson is an AP Biology teacher by day, he is also working towards getting his graduate degree in April to join the school administration.
Thoreson is another example of one of the many dedicated teachers at this school who care about their students and the material they teach. Whether as an AP Biology teacher or as part of the school administration, Thoreson is integral to the supportive community at Plant.
Step 01 by GAVIN GRIDER