Around the corner in the social studies hallway, you probably noticed Mr. Fleming. Fleming had been a teaching assistant in Mr. Smith’s social studies classroom since January, and spent every hour practicing to become a teacher. As Mr. Fleming leaves MHS for his next teaching experience, we cherish his time here.
William Fleming graduated in 2019 from Davenport High School and studied at Iowa State University, where he spent two years as a business major. He shared that at the time, “I didn’t have any love for what I was doing. But when Covid hit, I took a look at my life and decided to follow a true passion of mine, history.”
That passion turned into teaching.
“If you had told my high school self I would become a teacher, I would’ve said you’re lying,” shared Fleming. He admitted to being kind of a troublemaker in school, but now he would like to help those students who need a little extra push.
What sets Fleming apart from other teachers is that he knows how to have fun. He enjoys letting students be themselves and cracks jokes all the time.
“I learned that students are incredibly funny, but I also learned that a lot of their humor is at my expense,” joked Fleming.
His youth is another aspect that sets him apart, he knows what’s trending, the slang, and even good music.
“Yesterday, I was listening to G Herbo and Chief Keef. This morning I was listening to Audioslave, and a couple of weeks ago I was even listening to Sabrina Carpenter,” shared Fleming.
Sharing music taste with students, funny stories, and jokes made every class enjoyable. Fleming shared that his favorite part of being a TA at MHS was getting to know the students.
“One of my favorite memories was when two of my students picked me to be recognized at their soccer game for teacher appreciation. It made me feel great,” he exclaimed.
“It reassured me that I was making a difference and that I am right where I’m supposed to be.”
His position with Mr. Smith taught him a lot, setting him up to become a teacher. He learned how to manage his time, build relationships with students, but mainly, how to have fun every day. He encourages students to have fun while also learning.
“The main philosophy I go by is, don’t take life too seriously.”
Although he didn’t originally plan on becoming a teacher, he had role models who happened to be teachers. Fleming’s grandpa was a high school English teacher whom he adored, along with his mom, who has been an elementary teacher for 29 years.
“Part of the reason I’m so passionate about being a teacher is because of their teachings. It’s never too late to do what you want to do in life. I’m so happy with what I do now, it was worth it.”
Besides teaching, Fleming enjoys fishing, playing the guitar, and watching TV. He is also a huge Detroit fan and sees himself as a “pretty simple guy.” His plan after leaving MHS is to work a summer job and then land his dream job in the Chicago Public Schools. He shared that it has always been a dream of his and hopes to live and teach in the Lincoln Park area.
His impact on students at MHS will be remembered, and we wish him good luck in his teaching. Fleming wants the Muskies to remember,
“Education is a wanted asset, no one can ever take it away from you. It’s important to have and important to keep. Remember to be good and make good decisions.”
