Mr. Widener is one of the most well-known teachers at Gateway. He teaches some of Gateway’s most engaging classes, from AP Psychology to Gateway’s new Forensics class. Outside the classroom, Mr. Widener coaches football, focusing on the defensive line.
If you’ve ever taken one of Mr. Widener’s classes, you might have needed his assistance. In that case, you put in your pass, walk to his room, open the door, yet, as you step inside, you find no trace of him. Vanished like smoke in the wind. Why? Because it was never Widener’s room to begin with! Despite his class load and popularity, Mr. Widener had never had a room to call home. Until now.
Q: What did you major in?
A: “I was a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice.”
Q: How did you get into teaching?
A:” I was in the application process for the Secret Service. I was not able to achieve the level of clearance I wanted to.
I worked in a prison for 2 years, worked with prisoners’ mental health, then moved into working in schools as a behavioral specialist for 3-4 years. When COVID hit, there were mass layoffs. When I saw that Gateway was hiring for a Psych and Law and Order teacher, I applied for the job.”
Later that week, Mr. Widener shared stories of his training for working in a prison, including the most painful pressure points across the body as well as being tased, which he compares to a bee sting.
Q: When you first started teaching, what did you teach?
A: “Just law and order and AP Psych. I’ve been teaching that for the last four years, and wanted to bring forensics for a while, and I got more training in forensics, then brought the new class [this year].”
At the same time as bringing a new class, Mr. Widener was given a permanent home within the school: Room 109. One downside of the classroom is that it’s always freezing. But that’s the small price to pay for Mr. Widener having a room to himself, not using other teachers’ spaces, and not having to walk throughout the school throughout the day. Other Gateway teachers rejoice—all in good fun—that they will no longer have to share their rooms with him.
Q: How do you feel about your new room?
A: “I’m over the moon. Legitimately could not be happier about the room. I knew I would enjoy getting a room, I didn’t know I would care this much when I got this room. Shout-out to Dr. Grillo for helping me get this room.”
Q: Your walls are quite bland. How do you plan on decorating?
A: “With student projects. As we go, I’d like to start hanging up posters that students make. Wish I had the foresight to save these things before they got the room.”
Mr. Widener also plans to use merchandise (bobbleheads specifically) from his favorite sports teams, the Ravens and Orioles, as well as other decorations emphasizing Gateway’s own sports teams.
This will be a great change for Mr. Widener and his students, bringing them greater stability and making his life easier. Still, Mr. Widener will always miss his 300 wing friends, Ms. Warrington (and her coffee machine), Ms. Albano, and Mr. Kennedy.
