Although Ryan Viernes is a new math teacher at Albany High School, his lively and witty sense of humor suggest otherwise. He is comfortable and relaxed while cracking jokes and actually making math fun.
Viernes brings life into Room 311 during the last period of the day by making birdcalls and integrating his sarcasm with the boring curriculum. His easy going and carefree attitude make him a down to earth, “hella chill” teacher.
When asked if he’d like to be interviewed for The Cougar, he replied, “sure,” and proceeded to draw graphs on the board, never once looking up. It’s hard to believe that someone as laid back as he would choose to teach math.
As it turns out, Viernes has always loved math and been fairly good at it as well. He taught math at Vintage High School, located in Napa, California–the same school he attended while growing up.
Comparing Vintage to Albany, Viernes said, “Albany is much more diverse and more academically driven. The students are more involved with school activities including clubs, AP classes and leadership.”
As he talked about his classes, it became apparent that he genuinely cares about his students and the progress they make throughout the year. Viernes claims what he is most excited about is to “witness how his students change and evolve as the year progresses.”
Viernes enthusiastically spoke about his hobbies, which include playing football, the piano, drums and guitar. Just like high school students, he hangs out with his friends, watches television and plays video games.
Viernes quickly interjects, “not COD or Starcraft, that was me in ’09,” while solving a linear inequality.
For those who don’t know Viernes, he may seem like the serious type, always dressed in a formal shirt tucked in with a tie, but on the inside, he’s just as goofy and silly as your average teenager.
That is so not true. I am serious all da time. watch it.