Students often times think of teachers living at schools, in the back of their classrooms and not having lives. Many teachers at RHS have held other, interesting jobs prior to joining the ranks of their fellow peers of education.

Mr.Guyor teaches language arts, video productions and oral communications.

What jobs did you hold before you were a teacher? How long were you employed in each job?
“I had a number of jobs before becoming a teacher-during high school and college: caddy, cook, waiter, bartender,” Mr. Guyor said. “Professionally- I worked in TV before becoming a teacher at 29. I worked at FOX 2 here in Detroit, for 5 ½ years.”

What was your favorite job? Why was it your favorite?
“Other than teaching? I was a production assistant on a local talk show on Channel 7, and we dealt with so many different topics, and I met so many interesting people, famous and non-famous. It was fascinating.”

How have these jobs helped your teaching career?
“The TV jobs have helped me a lot in my video classes, since I bring specific professional experience to students. I know what works because I did it- and still do, on a part-time, freelance basis.”

What was your dream job as a child? Why?
“As a child, I always wanted to be a professional baseball player, because it was my favorite sport. Before that, I thought it would be cool to be the guy at the gas stations who cleaned windshields because, well, because I was 5, I guess.”

What, if any, unique skills have you acquired from your past job?
“I think part of good teaching- at least to me- is connecting with an “audience” and entertaining them, in a way, TV is all about that- as well as problem solving- which is pivotal in teaching too.”

What inspired you to become a teacher? Are you satisfied with this career move?
“The first male teacher I had was in 5th grade- Mr.Duffy. He was young, funny- and made school enjoyable. I thought it would be a great job to have. I am completely satisfied- I know this is what i’m supposed to be doing”

What advice do you have to give to students?  “The advice my dad gave me was to try to go into something you enjoy, where you have natural talents. That way, it’s not as bad on the days your job is really a job.”

If you could make a career change now, with no negative repercussions, what would it be?
“I’d want to do something creative-something I haven’t done before, I’ve written 2 books- novels- for fun- and I’d enjoy giving writing a try. I’ve also thought about doing stand up comedy- I’d have a ton of material after teaching this many years!”
Mrs. Schrems teaches both honors 10th grade language arts.
What jobs did you hold before you were a teacher? How long were you employed in each job?
“I worked in fitness, I would teach aerobics at Oakland University. I worked at Harmony House, a music store. I feel that [in] both of these jobs, you need to be a people person. You need to be outgoing, organized, and passionate. I also worked as a substitute teacher while I was still a student at OU.”
What was your favorite job? Why was it your favorite?

“I really liked working in fitness, just because I was working with, and helping people stay fit.”

How have these jobs helped your teaching career?

“I think they gave me the tools to develop my leadership skills, ways to motivate people, compassion and understanding of those around me.”
What was your dream job as a child? Why?
“I always wanted to be a teacher, I would play school in my basement. I don’t remembering wanting to be anything else.”
What inspired you to become a teacher? Are you satisfied with this career move?
“I liked the idea of being able to influence and shape young minds of teenagers, and just being a part of their growth.”
What advice do you have to give to students?
“It may be hard at times, outside factors can make it difficult, but it’s [a] very rewarding profession, and hopeful when you see your students ‘get’ or understand something for the first time.”
If you could make a career change now, with no negative repercussions, what would it be?
“A nurse. I’ve always thought about doing it. I like that it’s also the same type of job [as a teacher], in that you’re the helper. You have to care about your students and your patients.”

Mrs.Gambaro teaches several business classes, and is the adviser for BPA at Rochester High School.

What job did you hold before you were a teacher? How long were you employed in each job?
“I did co-op in high school and I was a secretary at various businesses.

What was your favorite job? Why was it your favorite?
“One of my favorites was working for Kelly Services during college- I worked at Dupont, Chrysler on a temporary basis.”

What was your dream job as a child? Why?
“As a child I always wanted to be a flight attendant. I wanted to travel the world.”

What inspired you to become a teacher? Are you satisfied with this career move?
“I always loved my business classes in high school and when I decided at 21 to go back to get my teaching degree, my sister Karen inspired me to follow my dream. I have always loved teaching and was happy to change my aspirations even though my friends were starting to graduating from college.”