By Derrick Smith

There can be a time in life when we feel a call to do something. This could happen at any age and for a variety of reasons. But for Pierre Mazboudi, the shift in his career came well after he had started his career.

“I worked in manufacturing for twenty-four years as an engineer,” he said. “During that period, I was a part-time educator at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater. I also held a college algebra professor assistance position at Oklahoma State University. This country has had teacher shortages specifically in math and science over the last decade. Having a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, it was appropriate to answer the call to become a math teacher.”

Mazboudi is in his fifth year at Ponca City and currently teaches AP Calculus AB, Honors Trigonometry, Honors Precalculus, and Algebra II. He has three children and when he is not teaching, he enjoys going fishing.

As a student, Pierre had a teacher that made a large impact on his life. 

“I had the same math teacher from sixth to ninth grade while in middle school,” he stated. “His name was Mr. Steve Karbijian. Mr. Steve had the biggest impact on my education, His passion for teaching and knowledge in mathematics, changed me from disliking math to loving it.”

Being a part of the students’ lives and seeing them grow is one of the things that Mazboudi enjoys most. 

“I enjoy experiencing and celebrating my student’s success during their high school years,” he said. “More importantly while they are in college or at work. I am grateful for having an opportunity to celebrate with them when they learned about their college acceptances, soothed them through heartbreak, empowered them as a future leader, and marveled at their resilience.”

Pierre says that his own learning days are far from over. 

“Being an educator is not an easy profession. Teachers are lifelong learners; we need to continue to evolve and grow.  I still get advice from my colleagues. I have learned in the last few years, by putting my student’s needs first, it is rewarding beyond measures. It is important to build their confidence, and remove any learning fear. All students are smart, they just need to be given the opportunity to excel.”