Mr. Sustal Teacher Feature 2012
It was shortly after graduating from college when Arman Sustal volunteered one day to help out in his aunt’s classroom. He quickly discovered how much he enjoyed working with young students and was inspired to go back to school and earn his teaching credential. Now he is in his 17th year as a teacher, all at HILLTOP.
“My most important role as a classroom teacher is to help give my students the tools they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Sustal who has taught sixth grade, kindergarten, and his now in his first year as a second grade teacher. “I also think that as long as my students give one-hundred percent effort, they’ll do fine. Getting them to give this effort is important. I really love to see them make progress.”
A typical day in his classroom has whole group lessons, a lot of small group work, and independent work in reading and writing. The students are doing Reader’s Workshop and Writer’s Workshop. In Writer’s Workshop, they learn about and experience the entire writing process and start to become critical thinkers when it comes to their own writing. In Reader’s Workshop, they read independently (books at their reading level) and think critically about what they are reading. There is also a writing component to Reader’s Workshop.
“I really emphasize reading and writing in my classroom because these skills carry over to every subject area and are crucial in everyday life,” said Sustal.
If a child is having difficulty in his classroom, he spends additional one on one time with them and lets them know that it’s O.K. to struggle. “I work with them to give them the tools to succeed and keep their self-esteem high. We all struggle in life at times and I let them know this is normal.”
Sustal thinks that parents play a huge role in their child’s success. He feels that setting examples at home is important and that children should be encouraged to do their best. “I was the first person in my family to go to college. My parents were not college educated but they always set a great example and told me that if I did my best and worked hard that I would be successful in life.”
He really enjoys it when he sees his former students having success in their lives. Some have gone on to community college, graduate school, and one is in medical school. Others have joined the military. “As long as they are doing their best and working hard, I’m proud of them,” said Sustal who believes there are many paths to a successful life.
His biggest challenge as a teacher is the staying on top of all the demands while focusing his efforts on the students. “Teaching is very rewarding and you are going to have to put in some long, hard hours to be successful.”
Sustal is extremely happy to be a part of the HILLTOP second grade team and is looking forward to collaborating with Mrs. Janet Nees and Mrs. Tina Childers. “Having spent my entire teaching career
at HILLTOP, I really enjoy the staff, parents, and students and can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, golfing, and traveling. Not too many people know it, but Sustal plays a variety of musical instruments. As a matter of fact, he was part of a band that performed at half time during Super Bowl XXI and played the horn. He has also marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade where he played the clarinet.
Sustal is married to Christine Sustal. They have a four year old daughter, Ella, who begins preschool soon.
It was shortly after graduating from college when Arman Sustal volunteered one day to help out in his aunt’s classroom. He quickly discovered how much he enjoyed working with young students and was inspired to go back to school and earn his teaching credential. Now he is in his 17th year as a teacher, all at HILLTOP.
“My most important role as a classroom teacher is to help give my students the tools they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Sustal who has taught sixth grade, kindergarten, and his now in his first year as a second grade teacher. “I also think that as long as my students give one-hundred percent effort, they’ll do fine. Getting them to give this effort is important. I really love to see them make progress.”
A typical day in his classroom has whole group lessons, a lot of small group work, and independent work in reading and writing. The students are doing Reader’s Workshop and Writer’s Workshop. In Writer’s Workshop, they learn about and experience the entire writing process and start to become critical thinkers when it comes to their own writing. In Reader’s Workshop, they read independently (books at their reading level) and think critically about what they are reading. There is also a writing component to Reader’s Workshop.
“I really emphasize reading and writing in my classroom because these skills carry over to every subject area and are crucial in everyday life,” said Sustal.
If a child is having difficulty in his classroom, he spends additional one on one time with them and lets them know that it’s O.K. to struggle. “I work with them to give them the tools to succeed and keep their self-esteem high. We all struggle in life at times and I let them know this is normal.”
Sustal thinks that parents play a huge role in their child’s success. He feels that setting examples at home is important and that children should be encouraged to do their best. “I was the first person in my family to go to college. My parents were not college educated but they always set a great example and told me that if I did my best and worked hard that I would be successful in life.”
He really enjoys it when he sees his former students having success in their lives. Some have gone on to community college, graduate school, and one is in medical school. Others have joined the military. “As long as they are doing their best and working hard, I’m proud of them,” said Sustal who believes there are many paths to a successful life.
His biggest challenge as a teacher is the staying on top of all the demands while focusing his efforts on the students. “Teaching is very rewarding and you are going to have to put in some long, hard hours to be successful.”
Sustal is extremely happy to be a part of the HILLTOP second grade team and is looking forward to collaborating with Mrs. Janet Nees and Mrs. Tina Childers. “Having spent my entire teaching career
at HILLTOP, I really enjoy the staff, parents, and students and can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, golfing, and traveling. Not too many people know it, but Sustal plays a variety of musical instruments. As a matter of fact, he was part of a band that performed at half time during Super Bowl XXI and played the horn. He has also marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade where he played the clarinet.
Sustal is married to Christine Sustal. They have a four year old daughter, Ella, who begins preschool soon.