Ian Stutzman, has been teaching for 15 years, 11 of which were at Loudoun County, and he’s spent the past four years teaching in Fairfax County. He currently teaches German at Sandburg Middle School and West Po, where he is the only German teacher.
Teaching at two schools makes his days longer, but Mr. Stutzman finds ways to manage.
“Middle school starts earlier than high school, so I start at the middle school and then I end at the high school every day,” Stutzman said. “It’s an extra 40 to 45 minutes every day, but nothing too crazy.”
Mr. Stutzman teaches eighth through twelfth grade including AP German, which requires preparing lessons for multiple levels.
“I have to prepare for levels one, two, three, four and AP, so it’s just a little extra work,” he explained.
His interest in teaching began in high school after helping tutor a neighbor in German.
“I was able to bring his grade up from a C to a B+, and I thought, ‘That wasn’t too bad. I guess I could do that,’” he said.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Stutzman enjoys video games, soccer, traveling and cooking. He encourages students to use language classes beyond high school.
“Learning any language opens your eyes,” he said. “If you get the chance to study abroad, take it.”
