Daniel Merritt is a M.Ed. and MST credential candidate in the Teacher Education Program. (Note this 5?s format is taken from one of the School's internal communications, and is meant to help the Gevirtz community get to know itself better.)
GGSE: Who (living or dead) do you most admire?
Merritt: My mother. She has been a professional and personal inspiration. She was an elementary school teacher for over thirty years who worked with primarily low income and struggling students in Pomona, CA. She taught me to find fun in almost any situation. She says the only people who are bored are boring people. I’m grateful for all that she has taught and continues to teach me.
GGSE: What is your favorite place in Santa Barbara?
Merritt: The Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens.
GGSE: When (besides now) would you like to live?
Merritt: One hundred years in the future, I’m excited for what the future holds. Good or bad it would be interesting to see how things turn out beyond my lifetime.
GGSE: Where (besides Santa Barbara) would you want to live if money/job were not an issue?
Merritt: Rural Japan by the sea. Although I have never been I think it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
GGSE: Why do you do the job you do?
Merritt: I love supporting people. Part of the reason I want to be a teacher is because I love helping people discover and develop their passions.
I am also a generalist—I love knowing a little bit about everything. This makes elementary school a perfect fit. I am excited to be able to teach every subject.