By Jared Tse |Entertainment Editor

Mr. Martinez Rm 62

My first impressions of Irvington?

There are a lot of moving parts here at IHS, from families to benchmark projects, Irvington is a unique and exciting place to work.  The staff here is very involved in making IHS such a great school; most of my colleagues that I have met are involved in extra programs and activities – the staff is very dedicated to the students.

What is your favorite subject and why?

My favorite subject is Government.  As a student, my interest in history eventually translated into an interest in Government, so much so, that I studied political science in college. Government can often get a bad reputation, especially when its is not responsive or overreaches, but I find the subject incredibly fascinating.  Our government is responsible for creating one of the most innovative, wealthiest, strongest, and pluralistic societies in human history – and I think that’s awesome. I want to share that with my students.

What are some of your hobbies and what are some fun facts about you?

My favorite hobbies include watching baseball, running, and snow skiing.

Mr. Ballin Rm Valhalla

What is your first impression of Irvington?

An amazing school with high standards, a caring, hard working, and exceptionally capable faculty, and students who are engaged, creative, and industrious.

What is your favorite subject and why?

I like many of the subjects taught in most high schools, but of course Drama, and the Performing arts is where I live.  To me it is the intersection of many other areas of study.  English, Math, Science, History, Physical Education, Industrial Arts, Visual Arts, Music, all have a role to play in theatrical productions.

What are some of your hobbies and what are some fun facts about you?

I’m married with two girls, 7 and 12.  I live in Livermore.  I act and choreograph fights for the Livermore Shakespeare festival, and other theaters as well.  My wife is an SLP at Parkmont, but also sings and acts, and she is currently in a musical production of Loves Labors Lost at the Douglas Morrison Theater.  I like to Fence and Sail, but never have much time to do either.

Mrs. Tebow Rm P.E

What is your dream career?

My dream career is to work with people and help them find their passion in fitness. Be it sports, hiking, weight lifting, or any other activity that gets them moving. So basically i’m living the dream working here at Irvington.

What did you do before coming to teach at Irvington?

Before Irvington I taught elementary school PE. The kids at that level are awesome I just felt their lack of life experience and PE time per week held me back from teaching them.

What is your favorite food?

For favorite food that is a tough one. It really depends on my mood. I would say if it is after exercise one of my favorite foods is sweet potato tater tots with homemade ketchup.

Mrs. Roberson

What is your first impression of Irvington?

My first impression of Irvington is that it is every public school teacher’s dream school. I like the fact that the staff and students are really friendly and I also really like the campus and the environment

What is your favorite subject and why?

My favorite subject to teach is world history because I think it is the most relevant topic. But Biology is my favorite subject because I have a degree in biological psychology.

What are some of your hobbies and what are some fun facts about you?

I am a published writer and I have done sound recording in a studio before. I published a book 2 years ago and I have a copy of the book in my classroom if anyone wants to read it.

Mrs. Milligan

What is your first impression of Irvington?

My first impression of Irvington is that it is a great school with very friendly students and staff.  My classes are terrific and I am excited about the school year.

What is your favorite subject and why?

My favorite subject is Biology.  I was an entomology (insect science) major in college and I love to be outside in nature.  The world around us is truly fascinating. I worked for the parks as an environmental educator for many years before becoming a teacher.

What are some of your hobbies and what are some fun facts about you?

I love to knit and I love to wear socks that I made myself.  I play a lot of Clash of Clans.

Mr. Lu

What is your dream career?

Before I was teaching, I was pursuing a clinical psychology degree but I had a change of heart because I realized that I liked the teaching aspect more. My dream career would be doing something where I can help people and work 1 on 1 with them.

What did you do before coming to teach at Irvington?

I taught english in Korea in an after school class for 1 year and I taught math in China in a public school for 3 years.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food to eat is burgers because I really like burgers.