The Paw Print

By Raina Suri

Mr. Klearman is a new math teacher at Payton. I met with him on Sept. 17 to learn more about him and his contributions to the Payton community.

Paw Print: What is your role at Payton?

Mr. Klearman: I’m a math teacher for geometry. I teach three sections of geometry and two of Algebra II BC.

Paw Print: What has your experience been like so far here?

Mr. Klearman: So far, it’s been good. The teachers are welcoming, and the administration is good. You know, everything’s good.

Paw Print: I’m glad. And what led you to come teach here?

Mr. Klearman: I have a friend who is a math teacher here, and there was a job opening… she called me to interview, and I interviewed for the job. [I] got it.

Paw Print: That’s great. How long have you been in education?

Mr. Klearman: So, off and on, for like, say, 13 years?

Paw Print: 13 years? And what grades and subjects have you taught?

Mr. Klearman: I’ve taught middle school and high school.

Paw Print: All math?

Mr. Klearman: Yeah.

Paw Print: What led you to choose a career in education, and specifically in math?

Mr. Klearman: At first, most of my career was spent being a stock options trader. So I did that up until pretty late in my career, and then I decided I wanted to become a teacher. In 2012, I got my teaching certificate and became a teacher.

Paw Print: That’s really cool. Where did you grow up, and where did you go to college?

Mr. Klearman: In St. Louis, and I graduated from the University of Illinois. I got my MBA from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Paw Print: How do you plan to support high school students and prepare them for their futures?

Mr. Klearman: You know, by being here, answering their questions, preparing hard for classes and trying to teach the subject to the best of my ability.

Paw Print: What’s your experience with working for equity and inclusion in the classroom?

Mr. Klearman: You know, I think that’s very important, but I do think you have to make time during the classroom to make sure that all the kids are understanding. [You have to] devote some one-on-one time to the kids that are not getting it, and be there after school, and in the mornings, and stuff like that, too.

Paw Print: What do you believe are the most important challenges that high schoolers will face?

Mr. Klearman: I think at first, just getting organized. [You have to make] sure all your assignments are done, you’re remembering when your tests and quizzes are, and [you’re] able to study for all those, and [you’re] managing your time. I think that’s a very big thing for incoming freshmen, as yourself.

Paw Print: What has been your favorite part about Payton so far?

Mr. Klearman: I like the energy and enthusiasm students show for the subjects.

Paw Print: And outside of school, what do you like to do?

Mr. Klearman: I have three children who I like to visit in college, I like to go out to dinner and I like to watch baseball–

Paw Print: Cubs or Sox?

Mr. Klearman: Cubs. And my (high school) kid’s a tennis player, [so] I like going to his matches. And just being with my family, really.

Paw Print: Which neighborhood do you live in?

Mr. Klearman: I live in Evanston.

Paw Print: What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago or surrounding areas?

Mr. Klearman: I like to go to Wrigleyville to watch the games. I [also] like to go out to dinner in Evanston and the Steppenwolf theater.

Paw Print: Thank you so much for your time.

Mr. Klearman: You’re welcome.

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You can find Mr. Klearman in the math wing or hosting Bridge Club in the Library on Tuesdays. True to his word, he also offers a student geometry support enrichment in room 122 on Thursdays. Overall, our school is lucky to have a dedicated teacher such as Mr. Klearman. I look forward to seeing the impact he makes on our community.