About the "Teacher Feature"
The Teacher Feature is designed to acquaint you with "another side" of our Academy teachers in addition to their professional lives. Each month, an interview and a few photo clips of a teacher will appear in the Teacher Feature. We have great people serving here at the Academy, and we want you to get to know and appreciate them. - Mr. Zimmerman
The following article was published on Jan 21, 2009.
Mr. Dan Angotti
What do you do for fun?
I love hanging out with my family. I play with the girls; I become a monster chasing them around the house. I play video games with Alex and even beat him sometimes (when he lets me). We take walks down to the brook, and we go sliding in the winter. The family works in the garden in the summer, though weeds are losing their luster with some of us. We get a bonfire going and enjoy its warmth and the activity it provides. We also have a trampoline that provides hours of fun together. Probably the all time favorite is the hay rides on the four wheeler drawn trailer.
What books or books have you recently read?
Most of my reading takes place in the summer. I relished the metaphorical series "Circle Trilogy" by Ted Dekker. I have read the Joel Rosenberg series that weaves history and the Bible into an edge of the seat story depicting how the last days could evolve. I have also read The Shack by Paul Young. When I want to go deep, A.W. Tozier, writer of books like Pursuit of God, is my author of preference.
How did you spend the summer?
Let's talk about our recent family vacation to Florida's Disney Pop Century Resort. While staying there for seven days , the family did the theme parks, my favorite being the Epcott Center where you can "travel around the world". Of course the children most enjoyed the rides such as the roller coaster and Tower of Terror. This "ride" would take you to the top of the tower and drop you fast three or four "stomach in the throat" times. I was elected to accompany the children on this one. Feeding the family turned out to be the most expensive part of the trip. Our one big splurge was the Coral Reef Restaurant where we "ate with the fish". The one weird thing at the resort was our evening swims in December!
Of what church are you a member and in what ministries do you participate?
Though we claim Cary Baptist as our home church, we are not able to attend there since I currently serve as interim pastor for Bridgewater Free Baptist Church. During the summer months, I preach twice per week , but during the winter only once per week in addition to teaching Sunday school. In the past I have also participated in hospital ministry.
Do you have a life verse? Why have you adopted it?
Galatians 2:20 reminds me of where I was and what He did for me. Because I am crucified with Christ, my past is done and the present is being, yet I live though I deserve to be dead. Through His power, I live; he paid the penalty. I am humbled by the idea of dying to ourselves and letting Christ work through you.
What have you done recently to better yourself professionally?
I have researched topics in science creation using Answers in Genesis and Institute for Creation Research. I am a Discovery Channel addict. I have, in the past, enrolled in distance learning courses for Bible classes.
What makes you want to get up in the morning?
Seeing my students. I love being with them. They have life and energy. You can come in tired, and they are raring to go. With teens, you can't be the "boss"; you have to feel where they are and use bits of their lives in the classroom. It helps to have kids that age , knowing what they are watching on TV or the latest video games.
What do you like about GHCA?
I love the Christian atmosphere with the encouragement from administration and staff. Knowing we are all here for the same mission for which we are willing set aside our gripes gratifies me. Ultimately, for the sake of the mission, denominational differences are set aside, achieving the greater good of the student. Here, at GHCA, I get to be an influence impacting students for eternity .
If you could design your dream school, what would it look like?
Up to date, modern facilities, adequate space and a fully equipped science lab and ---- WARMER ROOMS!