Q&A with SC State Teacher of the Year finalist, Dreher High’s Daniel Oddo

What inspired you to choose teaching as a career?

My heart bleeds for learners deserving equal opportunity. After advancing within my profession into the ranks of school administration, I returned to the classroom eight years ago with a rejuvenated purpose to reach all learners, especially those at the high risk of not succeeding.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would your second career choice be?

If I was not in the classroom teaching, I likely would be serving in one of many other capacities in education, such as administration, counseling, leading professional development, working with induction or high-achieving National Board teachers, designing curricular programs and services to reach all learners, analyzing pertinent student data and strategizing for effective instruction, or simply assisting in a role that makes a positive and transforming impact within students’ lives. As a teacher-leader, I view my service as a ministry and am privileged to be able to play each of the above-listed roles while directly teaching students daily.

What one thing have you borrowed from your favorite teacher that you use in your classroom?

Although I benefited from many fantastic men and women educators in my own school career, David Cuttita and Todd Palmerton were my favorite teachers in high school. I was fortunate to learn mathematics under Cuttita for three years, and he is likely the reason I teach math, and probably why I do so effectively. There are times I can hear his voice as I teach math to my students. Palmerton, my cross-country coach, had an amazing gift of bringing out the very best in his student-athletes, a best beyond the student’s imagination. I like to think that is one of my hallmarks as an educator – that I, too, bring out more from my students than they imagine.

What would your students say you are best known for?

Students have described my classroom as fun. Others express that I make complex learning fun. I am likely to be remembered for my professional dress of wearing a coat and tie. Some students declare that I was “their favorite,” and others simply know that I love them. The success with each student varies; however, all of them know that I will give my fullest effort and genuinely love and care for them and their futures.

What one item could you never do without in your classroom?

I could never do without my students, every one of them – seriously. They are the reason to teach! Then after my learners, I would have to include my education colleagues. It is a joy to work alongside many dedicated educators. However, to view this question regarding “teaching resources,” I effectively use the interactive SMART Board in my classroom. To best prepare today’s youth for the technology world, we first need to model and use technology in every aspect of education.

How has technology changed the way you teach?

Over 15 years ago, I dreamed of the interactive writing board concept that digitally allows a teacher to interface with his or her presented information. Today, this is a common reality. Over 10 years ago, I dreamed of integrating video into lessons. Today, I support my instruction with a blended learning approach of custom-made videos. And I still have dreams of technologies I believe will come into existence and ultimately be used so that all learners can be successful. I hope to be on the cutting edge with the newest initiatives.

What has been your most memorable moment in the classroom over the past year?

There are many memorable experiences I have had through this and every year. One I can share is from a former student who took geometry under my instruction. Although she might suggest that math does not come easy to her, this learner transformed herself into a mathematician within my classroom. This year, I had the honor to write on her behalf for college applications and scholarship purposes. Her college and career desires were not in the field of math-sciences. She will further her studies at Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts. I truly know I helped empower her to enter this institution, and she was quick to share with me that she was awarded four years of scholarships totaling $36,000.

If you became state Superintendent of Education, what would be one of the first things you’d like to implement?

I cannot (imagine) myself as state Superintendent of Education, particularly since we already have one who is an outstanding advocate of children and teachers, as found with Superintendent Molly Spearman. However, if given a “magic wand” to “wish” for something beneficial for South Carolina public education, I would have quality educators everywhere in the state dedicated in every subject area, grade level, school and district. Quality teachers are our greatest resource in public education, and supporting them should be one of our highest priorities.

Who is the first person you would call if you won State Teacher of the Year honors?

Obviously, family and friends are high on my contact list. My parents, who live out of state, would be my first call. I would not be the teacher I am today without the loving care I received from my “first teachers.”

As you know, the winner of the State Teacher of the Year honor gets use of a BMW for a year. What was your first car?

My first car was a used red 1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88. I drove that car down from New York state and traveled to and from school my first four years of teaching in South Carolina. I still drive the second vehicle I purchased, a used 1995 Chevrolet Lumina.

This story was originally published April 17, 2015 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Q&A with SC State Teacher of the Year finalist, Dreher High’s Daniel Oddo."