Meet Joe Boltri!

As part of our ongoing series Meet Our GDS Faculty and Staff, we are excited to present: Meet Joe Boltri!

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Joe.

Primary Role: High School Science Teacher

Pronouns: he/him

Years at GDS: Starting my 3rd year at GDS (and my 9th year as a high school teacher)
 

What do you love about GDS?

I really enjoy the relationships that I'm able to forge with so many of my students and my colleagues. I didn’t think everyone calling each other by their first names would mean as much to me as it does, but it really creates a culture in which I feel seen for who I am.  

Why do you do your job?

The thing that I find the most enjoyable and satisfying about teaching is that, year after year, every class is different. Even though the content is pretty much the same, the continuous changing of who is in the room makes my job endlessly stimulating and rewarding. 

A favorite part of your job?

As a Physics teacher, I really love any opportunity for the students to get their hands on the equipment to see, feel, and discover the science for themselves!

Your work style in a few words?

When possible, I love to have a plan for what's coming up. I don’t know what I would do without my Google Calendar and my Hopper to keep me on track. For me, having a good idea of where the class is at and where we need to be allows me the flexibility to pivot when something unexpected comes up. 

A top hope/wish for your students and/or colleagues?

My top hope for my students is to develop an appreciation for science as an active process of investigation, learning, and discovery (as opposed to a static conglomeration of facts that they need to know). 

Personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?

I enjoy running as a way to stay active. I've recently gotten into birdwatching which has been a really enjoyable way to be present with my surroundings. And I like to relax by playing video games and tabletop games with friends. 

A few favorites…?

Favorite recipe: Penne Alfredo

Favorite movie: How to Train Your Dragon

Favorite musical artist(s): Taylor Swift or Orville Peck

Favorite place I’ve traveled to: West Highland Way, Scotland

Tell us about your family and your pet.

I'm the proud middle child with an older brother and a younger sister. My awesome partner and I just celebrated our six year anniversary, and we have a five-year old cat named Echo.

One thing about yourself your students/colleagues/others probably don't know?

I applied to be on the Amazing Race with my sister. Still waiting on the call, CBS Casting...

One thing on your life "bucket list" you've already accomplished?

I was able to view the 2024 total solar eclipse over Ohio. Totally worth the drive!

Something on your life “bucket list” you have yet to accomplish?

I really want to learn how to drive a stick-shift. Also learn how to do glassblowing. And take a falconry class!