Scott Bonnin is not just a teacher; he’s a mentor, a guide and a source of inspiration for students at Durant High School. With a teaching career spanning over 15 years, Scott brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as an Algebra III and Pre-Calculus instructor for seniors.
“Both of my parents were educators and I have three sisters who were teachers,” Scott shared, reflecting on his upbringing and the influence of both his parents and sisters. This background instilled in him a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education.
Scott’s journey in education started in Lima, Montana, where he taught at Lima High School for three years. “That is a very small school in the mountains. I taught every math class from seventh grade to seniors” he recalled, highlighting the diversity of challenges and opportunities he encountered early in his career.
His passion for teaching is rooted in the impact he can make on young minds. “It is fulfilling knowing I can have an impact on a young person’s life in a positive way. I actually learn something new every day.”
One of Scott’s pivotal moments in education came from his high school biology and chemistry teacher, Mr. Callahan, who emphasized hands-on learning through experiments. “In his classes, we did experiments which brought learning from books to hands-on reality,” Scott recalled, echoing the importance of practical, immersive education.
Scott’s teaching philosophy aligns with the advice he received from Mr. Jon Hazell, a former state teacher of the year. “The growth of the child is what is really important, and I should grade based on a student’s improvement and not necessarily on a score on a test.”
Beyond the classroom, Scott finds solace in gardening, a hobby he continually seeks to improve upon. “I am not very good at it but strive to improve from one year to the next,” he said.
Every day he is an educator, though sometimes a thankless job, Scott Bonnin approaches his role with gratitude and humility. “Each day, I thank God for this chance to help young people become their best selves.”
