By Derrick Smith
Michael Porter is a teacher at Stillwater High School. He had some great teachers when he was a student, and he says that he enjoys teaching young people. He has a certain style of teaching, and he has found that it works well for his students.
“Growing up, I was fortunate to have great role models pouring into my life,” he stated. “Now I try to pay it forward by being a positive role model in the classroom. You have to raise people up, not beat them down. Enthusiasm and encouragement are big-ticket items for me. In teaching math, I am a steps guy. I show a lot of steps for students to see the entire process. Breaking down big problems into smaller pieces makes them much easier to understand.”
While he enjoys teaching his students, Porter loves to spend time with his family. He and his wife, Amber, have been married for 19 years. They have two kids that, according to Michael, take after their mom.
“Both of our kids are very bright and really funny,” he said. “They get all this from their mom and, sadly, not much from their dad. When I escape the classroom, I love sneaking off for some fishing, taking down some barbeque with the guys, and relaxing at home for a family movie night with the Porter crew.”
Porter teaches algebra and geometry to a mix of sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Stillwater High School. He says that he enjoys the atmosphere that he works in.
“It’s a family feeling at SHS. The teachers, principals, and staff are amazing. Everyone goes out of their way to help each other. You always come to work knowing that your team has your back. It is quite a supportive group.”
Though he enjoys teaching his subjects, Porter says that there are other benefits to being a teacher.
“One of the best parts of being an educator is the connections you make with students and teachers,” he said. “I am surrounded by incredible people all day long. So many impressive young people come through my classes. They are off to do phenomenal things and change the world. I am very honored to be a tiny part of their story.”
