Mr. Talbert is a well known teacher here at Apopka High School. He teaches chemistry and AP environmental science (soon to be AICE). The Blue and White interviewed him to know more about his school and outside life.
How long have you been teaching at Apopka High School?
Too long. I think this is year eight.
What subjects do you teach?
Chemistry and AP Environmental Science.
How do you feel about AP changing to AICE?
I hear that it’s easier for the students, so I’m okay with that.
What subject is your favorite to teach?
That’s a tough question to answer. I like them both. Chemistry is more challenging but I think the students enjoy AP environment more.
Have you been teaching both subjects all eight years?
No, this is my second year of teaching AP Environmental. So all eight teaching chemistry and two years teaching AP environmental.
What are your likes and dislikes about being a teacher?
Both of them are the students. I love the students. Your personalities are great. You know, you meet a lot of different people all the time. But then at the same time, you guys frustrate me to no end, I feel like if you just try just a little bit you wouldn’t have the problems that you guys have.
What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?
That’s a good question. My students will say that I’m petty. For me, I think that I’m a very loyal person when you’re a
Detroit Lions fan. But then also, I will say that I’m a traveler. So I think currently I’m somewhere between 15 and 20 different countries I’ve been to.
What was your favorite country you’ve been to?
The first one that comes to my mind is Colombia. It may be a poor country, but the environment is just beautiful. The people are so nice and the food is so good and cheap. It was really nice out there.
What are some things you like to do outside of school?
Sleep, play video games, watch sports.
What are your favorite video games?
I like to say I’m a loyal person, so I’ve been playing Destiny for like eight years. God of War, Spiderman, and things like that.
What is your all time favorite movie or TV show?
That’s tough. If I’m going action movie like action superhero it has to be Avengers: Endgame. Then the movie that I’ve probably watched the most and still laugh at to this day is Coming to America. TV show? Snowfall is one.That’s a good one. Supernatural was a good show. It was on for like 15 years. I’m big on anime. Right now I’m watching Solo Leveling, which is okay so far. It hasn’t gotten to the hype part that everybody keeps saying. My all time favorite is Naruto, but it has to be Shippuden.
In what ways do you connect with your students?
I’m immature and my sense of humor. I think one of the biggest things too is that I let my students be themselves. I think some of the teachers like you guys to conform to whatever they want you to do. I’d rather you be yourself and then figure out how you want to live your life. So I think everybody has a chance to be who they want to be in my class.
