Where are they now?: Alumni Spotlight.

Now only if Rankin could smile in the classroom

Dennis “Drankin” Rankin ’09 and M.Ed.'11, Stedsman and “Man of Letters (academic mostly),” took the time to stop educating America’s future to tell me what’s he up to these days. Here’ s what Rankin had to say…

St.Ed: What are you up to these days?

Rankin: I am down south in Atlanta. This is my fourth year teaching middle school math and science at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School. ACE sent me here and I loved it so much, I stayed. 

St.Ed: I myself ascribe to Whitney Houston’s teaching pedagogy of "believing that the children are the future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way.” What’s your teaching philosophy?

Rankin: My teaching philosophy is equal parts Bill Nye and George Feeny: "SCIENCE RULES...Mr. Matthews."

St.Ed: How many movies do you show the kids in class, and when do you show them?

Rankin: All the students chip in for a class Netflix subscription and I let "Netflix Recommends" lead the way each day. 

St.Ed: Grade Inflation: are you a part of the problem or the solution?

Rankin: Personally, I've been more worried about grade deflation lately. I'm hoping the Fed's bond-buying stimulus program will help. 

St.Ed: What advice to you have for your fellow Stedsmen?

Rankin: Get to know everyone in the dorm by name. Don't be satisfied just knowing your class. 

St. Ed: What is the most important advice you were given at ND?

Rankin: A rector once told me…"You've got to stand up if you want to make a dope sound. Rock it steady, and get the people clapping."

St.Ed: Word.