LHS is home to nine new teachers this year, but few are as familiar with this school as Mr. Behnke, one of our new social studies teachers. Mr. Behnke was a former LHS student and made the curious decision to return.
“I had a lot of good memories about LHS, and I really loved the school culture,” said Mr. Behnke. “Other than Mr. Lukes and Ms. Sutterer, literally every single social studies teacher here was also a teacher when I was a student here ten years ago.”
During his time as an LHS student, Mr. Behnke was an active performing arts student, acting or assisting in many plays such as Company of Wayward Saints and Curtains. Behnke also played soccer as a sophomore but didn’t stick with it.
“You would generally find me down in the performing arts hallway. I was very into theater and choir.”
Moreover, some people may already recognize Mr. Behnke for his student teaching. Two years ago, Mr. Behnke worked with Mr. Lukes’ US History classes and Ms. Sutterer’s World History classes.
Reflecting on how LHS has changed since he graduated here, Mr. Behnke noted the culture is actually “a little bit more open compared to when I was a student here.”
Mr. Behnke has wanted to become a teacher for many years but moved away from it when he started college. Before teaching, he worked in GIS (geographic information systems), then spent time at CSU researching and managing labs. Nothing was as enjoyable as teaching.
“[At CSU] I did small classroom work and one-on-one consultations with students,” said Mr. Behnke. “I found that teaching was by far and away my favorite part of things. That is why I decided to go back to get my Masters in Education, and here I am.”
Outside of school, Mr. Behnke spends his time with family, playing video games, or playing music.
“I’m a musician first and foremost, I’ve been a drummer for 16 years now. I still occasionally write my own stuff,” he said.
Mr. Behnke will be teaching US History and Economics this year and has enjoyed his time so far.
“I’ve been really enjoying getting to know my students. They’ve been really fun so far this year,” he said. “It really helps liven things up.”
He looks forward to the opportunity to teach AP or IB classes in the future (particularly APUSH) and getting more involved in the school.
“I know they’ve been asking for some tech help with the theater, and I might look into that.”
