AMSA's Mark Vital Garners Most Votes for Patch's 'Teacher of the Year'

In early December we asked our readers to give us the name of the teacher that has most affected the lives of their children this year. While every name submitted was certainly worthy of recognition, the Mark Vital earned the most votes here at Marlborough Patch. 

We asked Mark a little bit about what makes him tick, and here is what he said:

1. Tell us a bit a about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been a teacher? How long have you taught in Marlborough?

I was born in Marlborough and attended the public schools, graduating from with a full ROTC scholarship. I attended Clark University and took my military classes at WPI. I graduated from Clark with a major in Psychology and was commissioned in the US Army's Corp. of Engineers the following day. I obtained my MBA while serving in the Army (stayed four years), returned home and worked in business for 15 years as a VP of Human Resources. I also taught business classes at Northeastern University for 12 years. I chose to get out of business and started teaching at Marlborough High in 2002. I developed the curriculum and taught Business Communications to seniors for seven years. While at MHS, I also coached girls' track. My teams won two District Championships and won four Doherty State Awards for sportsmanship and community service. 

I started working at AMSA in 2009. I teach 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts and World Literature. I also coach cross country and track at AMSA. Last Spring, my girls' team won the State Charter School Championships.

2. What made you want to teach? Did anyone in your life inspire you to do so?

Working in human resources for many years, I found myself constantly under stress, particularly when I had to let an employee go (fire them). My last HR job was with Cablevision and we were acquired by AT&T. As I looked for a new job, my wife Sondra commented on how teaching at Northeastern always satisfied me both personally and professionally. I agreed with her assessment. One of the people that I networked with was Mary Carlson the principal at MHS. She stated that I should try teaching at the high school level and offered my a part-time job helping students who had failed the MCAS test. Three months later all 13 of my students passed the MCAS exam and Mary offered me a full-time job on the spot. 
One of my life-long mentors was my high school track coach Rich Riley (later was my boss at MHS as the athletic director). During this transition, he also encouraged me to consider teaching at the high school level.

3. What do you teach? 

Soon after Ms. Carlson offered me the position at Marlboro High, I passed my MTELs and the subject tests for both business and English. In addition, last year I obtained an additional M.Ed in Curriculum and Instructional Technology from Framingham State. I am also certified to teach online high school classes through Virtual High School in Maynard.

At AMSA, I teach 6th and 7th grade ELA and world literature. The curriculum at AMSA focuses on the classics (Greek and Roman mythology—reading the Iliad, Odyssey and the Aeneid), which I love to share with my students.

4. Can you imagine yourself doing anything else? If so, what would it be? 

I seriously can not imagine doing anything else. I love teaching and regularly count my blessings. I have the great privilege to teach my amazing students every day. I also love coaching cross country and track. In both capacities, teaching and coaching, I can set high expectations for my students/athletes, show them how to be successful and then motivate them to exceed. This is truly an amazing opportunity.

5. We know you volunteer and encourage your students to do the same. Why do you believe this is important? 

There are two distinct reasons for "teaching beyond the walls" of AMSA.

First, I believe that many teachers today fail to teach a "social curriculum." I'm a little "old fashioned," but I try to teach manners, respect and responsibility. I have only four rules in my class, and you can ask any of my students what they are? 1. Do the best you can; 2. Do what's right; 3. Treat others the way you would want to be treated, and 4. Smile often. Based on these basic principles, I talk about social responsibility. Giving is better than receiving, and to make a difference in your community! My students have done amazing things this year in our community and I am so proud of their efforts.

Finally, I believe that my school (business) has a social responsibility to the citizens of Marlborough. To be successful, AMSA needs to establish strategic partnerships with other schools, corporations and non-profits. In doing so, AMSA will be viewed as a valuable asset in our community. My classes alone have run programs that supported the , The and .

6. Heading into a new year, we are asking readers if they have any New Years resolutions. Do you have any? If so, what are they?

As a New Years resolution, I hope to continue to lose weight, to eat better, to increase my running milage, and to run competitively with my high school runners this Spring.

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