Making the decision to pursue a teaching career is life-changing in many ways for those wishing to teach. For anatomy teacher Michael Longmire, the choice was made easily. Longmire has been teaching for 25 years and has enjoyed new challenges the job brings. 

“My favorite part about being a teacher is that every day is different,” Longmire said. 

Longmire said he has learned from experience as a result of years of teaching. The most difficult challenge he’s faced has since given him a deeper understanding of students. 

“My first teaching job was at a so-called rough school,” Longmire said. “However, I learned all kids are alike. If treated with respect, they respond with respect.” 

In order to keep students interested in anatomy, he incorporates stories of his past experiences of teaching into his lessons. He hopes this keeps those he teaches captivated during lessons. 

“I think, although I’m not sure, they like my stories about past students and college experiences,” Longmire said. 

Besides pushing his students to learn academically, Longmire hopes they take away life lessons from his class. 

“I hope my students realize that they are capable of learning if they are willing,” Longmire said. 

Through all of his years of teaching, Longmire has collected advice to give to his own students that want to pursue a career in education. 

“Be patient, be understanding,” Longmire said, “All students are different; you have to learn how to talk to them in a way they understand.”