Today, Maria talks with Howard Malitz, who has been a high school teacher of chemistry and physics for over a decade. Before that, Howard worked as a corporate scientist until he faced a fork in the road that he decided to embrace to better his life. Together they unpack the long journey that brought Howard home to a private high school where he found deep meaning in his life and work. They discuss his generous teaching posture leading his students by example through compassion and kindness and teaching them essential life skills. Howard also shares his work mentoring new teachers as well as teaching his students financial literacy, a skill they will practice for the rest of their lives. Most importantly, he speaks about the importance of letting students be who they need to be at any given moment! The discussion gets emotional when Howard talks about his relationship with his parents and how his dad did not get to see him become a teacher. This is a beautiful conversation about second chances and the long way home to a place of true belonging as well as the importance of teaching from the heart. Tune in to listen and learn from an inspiring teacher whose story will guide you to figure out a new way forward amid uncertainty and start making an impact in any way you may choose, especially if you are at a crossroads!
Production team:
Host : Maria Xenidou
Producer: Julie-Roxane Krikorian
Introduction Voice: David Bourne
Contact us:
impactlearningpodcast@gmail.com
Music credits:
Like Lee performed by The Mini Vandals
Transition sounds: Swamp Walks performed by Jingle Punks
Where to find more about Howard Malitz:
Howard on LinkedIn
Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School
Mentioned in this episode:
48 Days to the Work you Love by Dan Miller
Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Coach Lou Holtz
What to Do when it’s Your Turn by Seth Godin
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
Listen to this episode and explore:
How Howard learnt magic in his childhood and enjoyed being a performer (3:21)
The influence his mother's journey going back to school and owning her own business had on Howard (4:45)
Howard’s decisions while changing majors during his undergraduate studies (7:36)
The moment Howard realized that he wanted to become a teacher (12:28)
Why he did not pursue a teaching career right after college (14:03)
How Howard became a corporate chemist and scientist (16:59)
The way Howard transitioned back into teaching through a spiritual journey amid an economical and personal crisis (19:52)
The learning curve Howard faced during the first year of teaching (28:04)
The importance of teaching students to feel comfortable with being wrong (30:44)
Howard’s personal mission statement (33:52)
How and why Howard started teaching a personal finance course (35:35)
How he is teaching by example and creating an impact on his students (42:43)
The practice of showing compassion and sensitivity to teenage students (51:06)
The importance of guiding students by giving them access to learning resources (53:50)
How Howard created an on-boarding fellowship for new teachers at his school (54:35)
Howard’s experience with distance learning during covid-19: the difficulties of a virtual classroom (57:54)
How Howard thinks the classroom might look like when schools reopen (1:04:21)
Howard’s words of wisdom for teachers and students during these times (1:06:53)
What Howard wants to leave his mark on during his lifetime (1:09:55)