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.
