10 Questions with

Paul Neufeld Weaver

 

Why do you enjoy teaching at Bluffton? What makes it unique?
I like teaching someplace where I can teach in a way that integrates faith, drawing on all aspects of life and sharing my passion with students who are also passionate about education.

What excites me about teacher education?
The most exciting thing is that I get to impact the lives of about 60 future teachers each year who, during their careers, will impact thousands of children.

My favorite class to teach is...
Social and Philosophical Issues in Education because it is about the ways teachers and students can be a part of changing the world.

My favorite place/time/event on campus is...
Tuesday Forum sessions and faculty luncheon because it is the one time we all come together to do what we're really here for; which is to explore ideas together.

When I'm not teaching I enjoy...
spending time with my kids and traveling.

My favorite middle school teacher was...
Mrs. Niswander She was a sixth grade language arts teacher who gave us the permission, space and time to be creative.

My first job was...
I did inventory at the Bluffton College library when I was 17. It was very tedious, but I got to see and handle every book in the library. I worked full-time during the summer. One time a co-worker snuck up behind me and scared the wits out of me.

As a college student, I was involved in...
P.E.A.C.E. Club, soccer and International Student Organization.

My favorite vacation destination/activity is...
Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills, Ohio, for hiking and camping. We went a lot when I was a kid. Another favorite destination is Tecolutola Beach in Mexico. That is the location where they shot some of the old Tarzan movies. There is a hotel still standing from when they filmed Tarzan. It is a place with a good sense of history and there are not too many tourists. Most nice beaches are filled with tourists.

Someday I would like to...
go to Mozambique. I speak a little Portuguese, which is their language. It is one of the poorest countries in Africa. I have a lot of compassion for the people of that country.