The Poland Seminary High School faculty has taken a new teacher under their wings: Mr. Cline. At 25 years old, he became Poland’s Physical Science Educator. Mr. Cline grew up in Niles, where he still resides. He also attended Niles McKinley High School, and then went on to become an alumni of Youngstown State University. Mr. Cline graduated with two bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Integrated Sciences Education and another in Biology. 

Mr. Cline is the eldest of three, and his younger siblings are also following science-based careers. He is very active in his church leading the worship team, and in his free time, he likes to play board games or have fun with friends. Mr. Cline’s interest in science started at a young age when he became invested in animals. He discovered his appreciation for the function of the natural world and enjoys answering the “why” question; hence why he has followed a career in science education.

Previously, he had a position as a permanent substitute teacher in Niles where he enjoyed his time with 6th graders. Afterwards, he started looking for a new job and turned his attention towards Poland.

“Poland was so interesting to me. I have a big passion and a big drive to educate and help the students in this area. I’ve had so many of my friends when they go to college they instantly want to get out of the area, but it makes me happy to stay rooted in this area and to help in this area,” Mr. Cline has stated.

He further went on to mention Poland’s state testing scores and how “that shows success. So as a teacher, especially a young one and fresh one, if there’s a place where I’m going to learn how to be the best that I can possibly be, it’s going to be Poland.”

However, he did not initially set a full course towards a career as a teacher.

Cline said, “…What happened was I was the valedictorian of my class, so there was a certain level of expectation I felt put onto my shoulders that I had to do this big grandeur type career. With that in mind, I kind of shied away from teaching, even though the seeds were planted that I wanted to do that.” 

His dad had an incredible impact on his decision to go into education. Mr. Cline said that once his father sat down with him and understood his position, he finally had the reassurance that being a teacher was the job for him. His English Teacher, Mr. Reis, was a man who implemented the joy of teaching and helping people out. Likewise, Mrs. Breegle, a 7th grade science teacher, helped mold Mr. Cline and, today, the two are still very close.

Now, in the few weeks of teaching here, he is very satisfied with the curriculum and the connection between him and his students. Mr. Cline has stated that Poland has been more than welcoming to him, and more so than he can put into words.