Meet Mahwah High School's Newest Teacher

This fall, students will meet a brand new teacher.

Gwenaël Calvez, who will join the Mahwah staff this September as a Physics teacher, has taught at the Academies at Englewood for the past seven years.

Calvez had been working as an engineer in the telecommunications industry for eight years when he decided to go into teaching. “Both of my parents were teachers, so I think teaching was just in my blood,” he told Patch. “I always had admiration for what my parents did, and I wanted to do it too.” Calvez said he always took opportunities to work with kids as a tutor or camp counselor even before he became a teacher.

Seven years ago, Calvez began teaching math at the Academies at Englewood, a program at Dwight Morrow High School to which students must apply and be accepted. Three years after becoming a teacher, Calvez became the Program Manager of the pre-engineering academy at the school. “I have had a lot of experience with the real world applications of what I am teaching, which I have always found help me in the classroom,” he said.

Calvez said he decided to leave the Academies for Mahwah because he wants to focus on teaching Physics. “I just love the subject,” he said. “Students get to actually see what they are learning about; it’s so hands-on. Physics has always fascinated me.”

Calvez, who was born and raised in France, moved to the United States when he was 23. He now lives in Glen Rock with his wife and three kids. The teacher said he is excited for the move to Mahwah.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the district,” Calvez said. “Even during my whole interview process, I felt at home. I think it’s going to be a great fit.”

Calvez was approved at the . Assistant Superintendent Janet Donohue said he was one of about 33 hires the district will be making before the 2012-2013 school year.

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