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Lessons in Learning - Antoniewicz

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By Rachel Mergen

After watching his father and brother work as engineers, Dave Antoniewicz, a native to Waukesha, thought he had discovered the path for him. These influences in his life faded a bit though once he entered college at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. 

Antoniewicz’s change of plans was a blessing to the students of Prairie du Chien High School, who now learn from the mathematics and engineering teacher of over 35 years. 

Antoniewcz originally began his career in the school district as an intern. In this position, he took the roll of a part-time teacher. He taught pre-algebra and algebra 1, while also supervising a study hall. 

After graduation with a degree in mathematics and a computer science minor, he was unable to find a full-time job, so he moved back to Waukesha to work in a factory. 

However, he received a call shortly after leaving Prairie du Chien that brought him back to district. The math teacher position was suddenly vacant, and it ended up being a serendipitous fit. 

“I don’t think I can handle little kids,” he joked about why high school was the career choice for him. 

Mr. A, as students call him, enjoys being able to teach students college preparation classes, which he was given the chance to lead as he gained more experience. This school year, he teaches principles of engineering, computer science principles, advanced placement statistics, pre-calculus and calculus. 

Principles of engineering and computer science principles are a part of the national program Project Lead The Way, which, according to their website, “provides transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. We create an engaging, hands-on classroom environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive.” Antoniewicz was required to take a six-week training program before being allowed to teach the courses. 

He finds delight in many projects the students complete each year. In computer science principles, the students take a couple of weeks to design their own Android applications. For principles of engineering class, the students can work with VEX Robotics kits. They write their own computer programming to control the robots.

“Getting something new restarts you again,” said Antoniewicz. He is fond of the fact that his schedule and course materials have changed over the years. He enjoys being able to mess with new technology and implementing new advancements into his classes, including starting computer programming classes in the school in the ‘80s. 

The students keep inspiring him every single day. “We have good kids in Prairie du Chien,” he stated. His goal is to “try to make a connection with all of the students,” which includes having to be relatable to them.

He believes it’s important for teachers to be involved in extracurriculars, because it allows for a stronger connection with the participating students. “It makes the students see you as another person, not just someone standing in front of the room.”

Antoniewicz has coached football at the school for the past 31 years. He has also worked with competition teams for programming and math. 

He said, “They keep me young. They’re never getting older.” 

“I don’t know” was the simple to answer to his future plans. His wife, Tammy, is a teacher also, and they plan on looking to retire in a couple of years. 

“Right now I enjoy what I’m doing,” he said. “But it will be exciting to have something else eventually.”

“You have to enjoy it. You have to enjoy working with the kids. You have to put yourself out there for the kids,” Antoniewicz stated. 

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