Mr. Hellman is one of our young hard working teachers at FDR. He was chosen to be this January’s Staffer of the Month, because of his generous decision to step in and coach the FDR Girls Volleyball team for their first two games of the playoffs. Mr. Hellman is also the JV Football Coach and the Boys Tennis Coach.

Q: Why did you want to become a Physical Education teacher?
A: When I was a student at FDR, I always remembered how my PE teachers seemed happy all the time. I wanted to be able to work every day and enjoy my job. Being a Physical Education teacher allows you to teach kids how to be physically active and have fun at the same time.

Q: What made you want to coach the JV football team?
A: I have always enjoyed watching and playing football, so when the opportunity came up, I took the position. It’s a great feeling as a coach to watch the kids succeed and advance from JV to the Varsity level.

Q: In your opinion, did the football team do better this year or last year?
A: Both seasons the kids worked really hard and played their best. I had a group of returning players this year, and we finished this season with a winning record.

Q: What is your expectation for this year’s Boy’s Tennis team?
A: My expectations for this year’s Tennis team are to finish on top of our division again and make it through the playoffs.

Q: What made you step in as the Girl’s Volleyball coach for those playoff games?
A: Ms. Robb was not able to make the games, so I said I would help the team out and coach them.

Q: In your opinion, how did the girls do before and after you stepped in?
A: They are a wonderful and dedicated group of girls. I think they did a great job the entire season. They still worked together as a team and succeed on getting two victories even though Hurricane Sandy made practice time next to impossible before the games. I had the easy job. They went out and played hard.

Q: In your opinion, did you help improve the Volleyball team?
A: The team as a whole has a great work ethic, and I did not think the team needed any improvements. I was happy to help out.

Q: If you could go back in time and change your profession what would it be? Why?
A: I can honestly say that I love my job and wouldn’t change it for anything. My goal was to become a teacher and go back to my old high school to teach. As a teacher, we have opportunities to have an impact on all types of students and steer them in the right direction. It’s a good feeling to try to help students succeed.

Q: What kind of name is Hellman?
A: My last name is German, but I am a mutt. I am a mix of German, Italian, Albanian, Irish, and Scottish.

Nice mix Hellman! Congratulations and thank you for all you do for FDR’s students.