Why did you decide to become a teacher? Did you have any jobs before teaching?

I think I would gravitate toward making a difference in class. In college I worked as an art scraper, so just building back patios and stuff like that. I like teaching more. I think working that job made me want to finish college, the hard manual labor stuff.

Why did you come to SJN? 

My wife and I moved down to Naples this summer because she’s pregnant with twin girls and this is where all her family is. I came from a Catholic school already and saw St. John Neumann … interviewed and thought it was a good fit. Again, I’ve really been happy. I picked it because of the immediate affiliation with the community here.

Are you enjoying SJN so far?

Yeah, I’ve really enjoyed it so far, the kids have been great and I think there’s a good sense of community here. I like how positive and upbeat people are, and that extends to working beyond the classroom, and working with the basketball team. Just getting to know all the teachers.

What subject do you teach? Have you taught any other subjects? 

Social studies. I think it’s the only course I would want to teach. I did tech at my old school, but mostly floated around social studies.

Have you had any challenges while teaching? 

I think the first couple years are always challenging when you figure out how to teach, how to balance everything, make sure that the work isn’t taking over your life and once you get a grip of it all, it becomes a lot easier than the first couple years.

We are so happy to have Mr. Golanca join the SJN community and we appreciate him taking the time to have an interview. We wish him a great year here at SJN