Toledo Tales

As a part of our ongoing look at local educators, Toledo Tales recently interviewed Scott High School teacher Mitch Balonek.

(Toledo, OH) From the moment one enters Mitch Balonek's classroom, it is clear that he has quite an interest in his students.

"Who can help me diaphragm this sentence?" he asked the class. "The naked truth is that we have to learn the importance of diaphragms."

Balonek believes teachers must be completely devoted to their students.

"I really like to go the distance with as many students as I can and to penetrate those teenage facades," he said. "It is vitally important that I prepare them for oral exams, because a good education should never take the back seat."

Some of Balonek's students have become quite adept at finding their own mistakes.

"Mr. Balonek, I missed a period," said one female student.

"Whoa - missing a period is a big deal!" said Balonek. "You need to find a way to quickly slip one in there."

Even parents notice Balonek's deep desires for their students.

"He takes quite an interest in our daughter," said one father. "She said he was drilling her just last Saturday. What enthusiasm and dedication!"