“Somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known” –  Carl Sagan

For our December Teacher Spotlight, we interviewed Claudio Tronconi.

What grade(s) are you currently teaching?

I teach STEM Senior Engineering and Marine Biology, 11th and 12th grade.  

What do you enjoy most about teaching science?

Transmitting the passion for fact-based inquiry, critical thinking, inspire curiosity and lifelong learning.

What do you enjoy the least?

Nothing, I love it all !!!

What’s your favorite element?

H (Hydrogen)!!! Humble but mighty. It is the first, it is the simplest, it is the lightest, it is the most abundant of all. It is everywhere…

What do you love most about working at San Marin?

The awesome students and the supporting and positive staff.

Do you remember your first class? What was it like?

Yes! At the beginning it was a class full strangers that didn’t want to be there, in the end, it was a family.

What’s your most memorable teaching moment?

Seeing that light bulb “ah-ha” moment in students is the best and most memorable time for me.

What was your favorite subject in High School?

Programming, Natural Sciences (Earth sciences, Biology, Physics, Chemistry) and Philosophy.

What was your least favorite subject in High School?

A class called Commercial Law.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of San Marin?

Running, hiking (I love the outdoors!), swimming, meditation, tinkering with technology, programming, reading/researching non-fiction (science, nature, tech, history, philosophy) and reading/watching sci-fi. I am also fascinated with archaeology and the human brain. 

What’s one weird or interesting fact that people might not know about you?

Growing up in a tiny village, high in the Italian Apennines, I rode horses (western style!), I had goats, chickens, rabbits, quails, cats, and dogs. I spent most of my playtime in the woods–mushroom hunting, collecting insects, plants, and rocks. I could fish trout with my hands. I loved eating venison, snails, and crawdads.