English teacher Michael Trainer attended the University of Scranton as a communications major and English minor in 1991. Afterwards, he attended Temple University for his master’s in English and became a teacher. He began teaching at Conestoga 20 years ago and currently teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition and Comparative Literature: Mayhem. In addition, he has emceed at the Pep Rally, Unity Fair and Best Buddies Talent Show annually. He plans to retire this year after 32 years of teaching.
Q: Do you have a favorite book from the courses that you have taught?
A: “1984” is kind of a seminal text that we do, and I’ve taught it pretty much my whole career. I used to teach it in a ninth grade class at my other school to honors students, but what I can’t believe is how each year it becomes more relevant. First, I thought, ‘This book is a warning about the future, but we’re okay.’ And then with technology, information, media and what is truth, that book remains so relevant.
Q: Do you have any advice for students when it comes to AP courses or English in general?
A: English is about reading, writing and speaking. So no matter what you’re doing in life, it involves those three things. There is a way to understand how we communicate in any English course you have. Even (though) some kids think they don’t like literature, literature is a mirror that holds up an image of ourselves. So it’s important to understand that you, through a character or a conflict, are given tools of how to handle things in your own life.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: It changes all the time. I loved the book “I Know This Much is True.” It’s a beautiful book. I also loved “Little Fires Everywhere” because I like a book where you’re judging a character and then you learn more about their story and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I was really hard on that character, but look at their situation.’ It’s just cool when you get different characters’ perspectives.
Q: What are your thoughts on your retirement?
A: Recently, I still love teaching. I love the students. I love the energy that it brings to me. But I just feel there’s something else I have to do. I want to work or do something beyond this, and not just go off into retirement. I’m not just going to go and garden or go to Florida and sit in a lounge chair and read. I have an adventure coming, but I don’t know what it is.
Q: What will you miss about Conestoga?
A: I find each year the kids help me grow as a person and a learner. I think through teaching, I’ve learned that we are all lifelong learners. I never stop learning, and that’s so cool.
Elizabeth Lu can be reached at [email protected].
