After teaching for 26 years, Mr. Sidmore is a well-known and beloved teacher here at Ipswich High School. Yet, he shocked many students when they returned for the school year, only to find he was not in his normal classroom. Trading in his usual vocabulary reviews for drills and hammers; Mr. Sidmore switched from English to engineering, a move across the school. This sudden change left everyone wondering where he had gone and what prompted this sudden switch.
“I had refined my English methods so much over the years. I didn’t have to think too hard. [But with] engineering, it’s like someone has a stopwatch; I’m constantly bouncing from person to person.” Mr Sidmore explained as we sat in the engineering room. Surrounded by mechanical equipment, and various materials such as wood, paper, and more; it would’ve been nearly impossible for someone to guess he used to be an English teacher.
Most students at Ipswich High School still view him as an English teacher. However, Mr. Sidmore always had an interest in engineering, “Engineering came from when I was really little; I used to solder.” He reflected, his eyes lighting up paired with a nostalgic smile as he spoke, “ I worked in construction when I was starting as a teacher. I used to do construction for 10 years, so I enjoyed building and the small intricacy of electrical work.” He obviously loved his work as an English teacher, but it was time to change directions.
Being able to have Mr. Sidmore as an English teacher, is an experience that now only upperclassmen can remember. His teaching was described as “way more comfortable and definitely more content [teaching engineering]… and his constant work ethic helps everyone keep up” by junior Max Emerson. Mr. Sidmore is remembered by all his English students, and now engineering students, as a teacher who is passionate about his work, with a work ethic unlike any other.
Mr. Sidmore’s commitment to teaching and furthering the education of his students creates an atmosphere of perseverance while maintaining a fun and free environment. Senior Aidan Baran described his classroom experience with Mr. Sidmore as a “class that had everyone doing a job, and if you don’t have something to do, he [Mr. Sidmore] can find you a project to do and helps you through it.” Mr. Sidmore has always tried his best to involve his students and push them to do their best work possible.
Mr. Sidmore now shares this love with his students as they work to solve different problems and learn hands-on skills. However, it is clear to anyone who talks to him that he misses teaching English. “I definitely miss the chances to write alongside my students,” he explained with bittersweet nostalgia. “There is something about powerful writing that stirs you inside, and something even more powerful when it comes from a student. It’s powerful because I helped them to flourish to that point…”. As the years progress, we look forward to seeing how Mr. Sidmore will continue and develop the creative minds of Ipswich High School through engineering, just as he did with English.
