At the start of the 2022-23 school year, Jesuit Dallas welcomed many new faculty members. Mr. Drew Maddox is the newest member of the Department of English. The Department of English designs its core curriculum to provide all students guided instruction in reading and writing techniques. All of this shape a student who grows fully in the presence and spirit of Jesus Christ.
So, I decided to conduct an interview with Mr. Maddox and learn more about him.
How did your path through high school and college lead you to Jesuit?
Thank you for asking. I graduated from Prosper High School and grew up in the area. When I was in high school, I realized that teachers were probably one of the most influential people. So I definitely wanted to do that. I went to UT Austin, studied English and got my degree.
After college, I got a job at Frisco ISD. However, I was looking for a Catholic school for several years because I was born and raised Catholic. Back in high school, I remembered that I had a few good friends who went to Jesuit. Back to Frisco ISD, I started to consider Jesuit and realized the vast opportunities in front of me.
What teaching experience did you have before coming to Jesuit? How did your faith develop over time?
Before I came to Jesuit, my teaching at Memorial High School in Frisco is different from Jesuit. Frisco was coed, public, and did not have weekly liturgies or spiritual reflections like the examen. I had many friends who were parents who attend my local parish near my old school. Through volunteering, I developed strong relationships with these people and enhanced my Catholic faith.
What do you think is special about Jesuit?
I think that Jesuit’s curriculum, student life, teachers, campus, and athletics are on an entire different level. Overall, I think everything here is just special and unique.
What classes do you teach?
Right now, I teach sophomore on-level English II. Back when I was at Memorial High School, I also taught sophomore English.
What is your teaching philosophy?
So, I’m going to give you something idealistic, such as my fervent passion for English. In class, I hope that I can drive my students to their full potential. However, this might not always work out smoothly. So, I think it’s a matter of displaying the importance of the subject to the student. Specifically, I show the relevance and beauty of English to my students through our novels and poetry.
What are you outside of class?
Outside of class, I relax by doing several activities. I play video games and the guitar. I definitely always try to spend time playing with my 10-month old baby.
In addition, I really enjoy cooking at home. A couple of years ago, I made fresh pasta fifty times in a row until I can do it correctly. I also like to grill, but honestly, I think that I’m better at cooking stovetop.
How is your experience so far at Jesuit?
In the first two weeks at Jesuit, I feel that everything is going splendid. All the teachers have been very welcoming. Also, I really appreciate that there’s a chapel in the center of our school, which reminds us of the importance of being religious and loving. I really enjoy working in this wonderful campus and interacting with students and other teachers!
If you see Mr. Maddox in the hallways, then remember to give him a warm welcome!
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more news about Jesuit’s new teachers!
