3/19/2019

Intern Josh Cummings sits at a desk on Jan. 29, working on his computer in biology teacher Phillip
Muszynski’s classroom. (CHARLES JACKSON | SNN)

Biology teacher Phillip Muszynski is teaching more than just his students this semester. 

By NEPHE ELLIS and MARQUES ALEXANDER
SNN Staff Writers

St. Petersburg College senior Josh Cummings is a new teaching intern at Lakewood High School. He started teaching biology in Phillip Muszynski’s class in early January.He said he had a choice to go to either Lakewood or Largo High, and he chose the Spartans.

“I chose Lakewood because I’ve been to several schools and I’ve never really been able to come down this way and I’m very thankful I did,” he said.

“You get to see so many personalities so many different walks of life, so many different takes on education. It’s very interesting and it a makes me feel good knowing I enjoy what I’m doing.”

Cummings said he would rate his internship a 10 out of 10. He said he has gotten to learn many things already from Muszynski and has been introduced to many different people on the staff.

“I’ve become able to teach a wide range of kids, and I can honestly say I enjoy all of it,” he said.

Muszynski said he really appreciates having a second teacher in his classroom. “He’s bringing some new ideas and trying to make sure he’s putting the students first,” he said. When you watch Cummings in the classroom, you can see that he is very interactive with his students. His vocabulary is very intriguing and has no issue controlling his class.

“The first thing I do if  (there is) a real big problem is I take a step back. And I think about the options and the potential outcomes of what I choose to do,” Cummings said.

Junior Alonzo Harris is in Muszynski’s second period class for biology and said he enjoys having an intern in his classroom.

“He’s kind of cool and nice and not aggravating like most teachers and he gives out good specific details on our lessons and gives an easier understanding,” Harris said.