FAQ's on Mr. Hammel

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Table of Contents

1. Where was he born and raised?

2. Is this guy qualified?

3. Why is he a teacher?

4. Where does he live ?

5. He has a beard, I bet he's a hippie...

6. Does he have a sense of humor?

7. I need serious help in English, will he help me?

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Where was he born and raised?

Mr. Hammel was born during the early 1970's in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  His parents moved the family to Glens Falls a few years later when his father found a teaching position in the Queensbury School District.  Mr. Hammel was raised in Glens Falls and graduated in 1990 from Glens Falls High School.  

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Is this guy qualified?

2010-2011 will be his 6th year at NCCS, and his 12th year teaching.

After high school, he attended Adirondack Community College and went on to earn a B.A. in English Literature at Plattsburgh State University and returned for an M.S.T. in Education.  Mr. Hammel took his teaching certificate west to Montana and worked for the Whitefish Public School District as English teacher and disciplinarian of the Alternative High School.  After three years, he returned to NY and taught English 7, 9 and 12 for three years in Chestertown, NY.  Additional certifications were earned in effective teaching practices such as T.E.S.A. classroom management, Wilson Language Program, 6+1 Traits of Writing, C.R.I.S.S., and more...

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Why is he a teacher?

He became a teacher because he loves to see people get excited about learning.  High school students present the biggest challenge because they often resist learning new skills, but ultimately enjoy it.  English education is essential to everyday life outside of school and the more a person--young or old--practices interpreting our language, the more successful he finds himself.  Reading advertisements, loan agreements, property deeds, and writing business contracts are all English skills.  Reading for enjoyment or study exposes us to the successes or defeats of others and directly or indirectly help us accomplish or avoid similar situations.

If he can teach people HOW to help themselves, he will have achieved his goal as a teacher.

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Where does he live?

Whatever!  Like he is going to give you the address to egg his house.  Though, if you are observant you may see him mowing his lawn on Thursdays.

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He has a beard, I bet he's a hippie...

No.  He grew the beard to keep his face warm while snowboarding deep powder in Montana, and then realized that it works equally well when hunting and fishing.

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Does he have a sense of humor?

You betcha--but you have to get to know him.  He believes, "If you can't laugh and work at the same time, you don't laugh."

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I need serious help in English, will he help me?

YES!  Mr. Hammel comes in early and leaves late.  He encourages students to find him during his lunch, study hall and preparation periods.  Working with him in smaller groups will really help you improve your skills.

You can contact him via e-mail, make an appointment, or show up during his free time.

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