Mr. Bates brings statistics classes to OM

This year at OM we have the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Bates, OM’s newest statistics and algebra teacher. Mr. Bates, originally from Park Ridge, New Jersey, moved to Howard County in 2013 where he then taught at Baltimore City College, a high school in Baltimore City, teaching statistics. Mr. Bates’ background in statistics made him the perfect fit to come to OM this year (with the addition of Algebra 2 GT). When asked if he wishes he could teach anything else, he said no. Mr. Bates hopes this year he can get acquainted with all his students, helping them figure things out, and above all, feel “at hOMe” here. He expressed that as a teacher he enjoys smaller classes that feel more like an open discussion rather than a traditional high school lecture. He expressed his biggest pet peeve about teaching is when he spends time explaining a concept just to ask for questions and someone asks him to explain the concept he just explained.
When asked if he had any messages for the school, he said for his algebra students, “try your hardest, ‘no’ is not an answer.” For his statistics classes, “There is no better time than now to learn research and statistics.” He wants to express to the entire school that “I’m not mad, I’m just from New Jersey.”
Outside of school, Mr. Bates enjoys going to see live music and concerts, especially at Merriweather. With its close proximity, it’s a major perk to living and teaching here. Overall, Mr. Bates is very excited to meet everyone here at OM and is very excited for the year ahead. If you see Mr. Bates around school, do not be afraid to say hi and welcome him to OM. And if you’re one of his students, don’t be afraid to get to know him!