By Ella Mockel, NHS Member

Mr. Walther, one of the two Fair Lawn High School pottery teachers, is someone who has allowed for students to find their talents in the classroom, while creating a safe space for kids to feel like themselves. It was Mr. Walther’s senior year of high school when he fell in love with the idea of being a teacher after his art teacher convinced him to enroll in art school, even if it was just for a year. Ever since then, teaching has been a passion he has held. 

To students, Mr. Walther is a teacher that many consider to be relaxed and maintain an interactive environment in his classroom. Walther works to make true connections between his students, as he states, “[I] try to make a relaxed environment where people can be themselves without judgment and have positive reinforcement.” On average, a really great day at work is just simply “getting to see kids make really great artwork.” 

Mr. Walther works to be an inspiration, as it was his previous teachers that inspired him to teach and motivate himself. When he was in school, his teachers allowed the classrooms to be a safe and comfortable space to be in. As he shifted into teaching, he worked to preserve this feeling for his incoming students, allowing them to feel welcomed and at home in the classroom. Creating this positive classroom environment allows for Mr. Walther to form deeper connections with his students. His teaching experience never came with perfection, as his first day of teaching consisted of him standing “in front of the class and a girl was staring through the door as she proceeded to walk into an open locker and fall.” 

Even though pottery is an exciting and engaging class, Mr. Walther would love to spend a day in Ms. Zielinski’s art class, so he could learn new things about graphics and applied art that he previously didn’t know. Mr. Walther is interested in all sporting events, and always tries to get to any of the games or matches if he can, allowing him to be involved in his student’s lives outside the classroom. 

Though his students mainly know him as their high school pottery teacher, Mr. Walther’s personal life outside the classroom may shock some of the students. For one, many kids would be surprised by the fact that he is a great dancer and knows every single lyric to the song “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch . In the summer, Mr. Walther’s favorite activities are getting to spend as much time as he can with his kids. Summers consist of long days at the pool, or in the woods: hiking and exploring. Mr. Walther enjoys getting outside, often hiking locally. 

Mr. Walther consistently works in and out of the classroom to make his class and atmosphere the most engaging and comforting it can be for students, creating a lasting bond between him and the student body at Fair Lawn High School.