"Mr. Qiu is one of the new teachers at Oakland School for the Arts. He teaches math and science for OSA middle school."
--Vanessa Hernandez, 6th grade
Mr. Qiu is one of the new teachers at Oakland School for the Arts. He teaches math and science for OSA middle school. I wanted to interview Mr. Qiu because I was interested in the topic that he had switched from teaching elementary to teaching middle school. As a new teacher switching grades he has also followed the experiences as the new middle school student who also just moved up from elementary school.
How Is OSA So Far? What is good about teaching at OSA? What is Mr. Qiu’s favorite thing about teaching at a school for the arts?
Mr. Qiu really enjoys how each student is so passionate about their art and other arts that might not be their emphasis at OSA. He says that he really enjoys OSA so far and is looking forward to the school year. The students here love their arts and enjoy learning which would be fantastic to hear for any teacher.
Elementary to Middle SchoolMr. Qiu taught second grade at a school in Sacramento at Paso Verde Elementary.
Huge Change In Switching School
Is one big change is that there are a lot more students to teach at a middle School rather than an elementary which would have an estimate for a class of 25 students. The middle school here has 100 students which is just one of the major changes. Another change is transportation. Driving by car to the elementary was fine but going to Uptown Oakland is a little more challenging due to the lack of parking. Mr. Qiu takes the bus to work where he was able to drive his car everyday before. However, he is getting used to public transportation which is another big change.
What is Different about OSA?
What is different about teaching at OSA rather than a more ordinary school? Mr. Qiu has noticed that the students here are more motivated when it comes to learning because they love their emphasis and all other arts. Students don’t come to this school just because they have to be here and they have to learn, students come here because they love their art. Students like learning here and are energized to learn and excited to listen.
How Long Have You Taught?
Mr. Qiu has been teaching for six years now and this year will be his seventh. Inspired to teach by the little lightbulb that goes off in a students head when they get the little “aha” moment is what inspires him and motivates him as well. The motivation is when the students get to understand and interact with all of the activities he teaches.
Where Did You go to College?
Mr. Qiu went to college at UC Berkeley and originally studied computer science. He originally wanted to be a programmer for research but when it came to working he realized he had not wanted to work as a programmer. It felt like he was back in school doing boring school work, there was no excitement or fun.
What Inspired You to Teach Math & Science? Mr. Qiu always had an interest in math, all of the patterns and puzzles. Science always appealed to him because he could always incorporate interactive activities that would let the students learn while still having fun and not being bored.
What Are Some Hobbies?
In Mr. Qiu’s free time he enjoys puzzles,escape rooms, and board games. He likes to challenge his brain and keep his mind exercised. He invites friends over to play board games with them regularly.
How Is OSA So Far? What is good about teaching at OSA? What is Mr. Qiu’s favorite thing about teaching at a school for the arts?
Mr. Qiu really enjoys how each student is so passionate about their art and other arts that might not be their emphasis at OSA. He says that he really enjoys OSA so far and is looking forward to the school year. The students here love their arts and enjoy learning which would be fantastic to hear for any teacher.
Elementary to Middle SchoolMr. Qiu taught second grade at a school in Sacramento at Paso Verde Elementary.
Huge Change In Switching School
Is one big change is that there are a lot more students to teach at a middle School rather than an elementary which would have an estimate for a class of 25 students. The middle school here has 100 students which is just one of the major changes. Another change is transportation. Driving by car to the elementary was fine but going to Uptown Oakland is a little more challenging due to the lack of parking. Mr. Qiu takes the bus to work where he was able to drive his car everyday before. However, he is getting used to public transportation which is another big change.
What is Different about OSA?
What is different about teaching at OSA rather than a more ordinary school? Mr. Qiu has noticed that the students here are more motivated when it comes to learning because they love their emphasis and all other arts. Students don’t come to this school just because they have to be here and they have to learn, students come here because they love their art. Students like learning here and are energized to learn and excited to listen.
How Long Have You Taught?
Mr. Qiu has been teaching for six years now and this year will be his seventh. Inspired to teach by the little lightbulb that goes off in a students head when they get the little “aha” moment is what inspires him and motivates him as well. The motivation is when the students get to understand and interact with all of the activities he teaches.
Where Did You go to College?
Mr. Qiu went to college at UC Berkeley and originally studied computer science. He originally wanted to be a programmer for research but when it came to working he realized he had not wanted to work as a programmer. It felt like he was back in school doing boring school work, there was no excitement or fun.
What Inspired You to Teach Math & Science? Mr. Qiu always had an interest in math, all of the patterns and puzzles. Science always appealed to him because he could always incorporate interactive activities that would let the students learn while still having fun and not being bored.
What Are Some Hobbies?
In Mr. Qiu’s free time he enjoys puzzles,escape rooms, and board games. He likes to challenge his brain and keep his mind exercised. He invites friends over to play board games with them regularly.