Derrek Tokarev
Crimson Chronicle Reporter
Joseph Turrise is like no other. A social and ethnic studies teacher located in the bungalows at Hollywood High School, Turrise teaches various courses such as AP Human Geography, Mexican American History, and Latin Studies. However, Turrise, the Sicilian from New Jersey, is not just a teacher, he does way more outside the classroom.
Turrise has multiple other hidden talents. On weekends, Turrise tends to play golf, softball, and frisbee, attend trivial nights, and even travel across the globe. So far, Turrise has been to six countries and 25 states. He even owns over 100 pairs of socks and keeps extra in his class just in case of emergencies.
In Turrise’s class, there are two main goals that everyone should take away: social development, and academic development. That’s why students constantly engage in multiple debates, argumentative essays, research papers, and lots of lesson-related and teamwork-involving games which prepare them to handle future life challenges.
“Learning how to argue and to frame a point is important for real-life scenarios such as getting a job in the future,” said Turrise.
Although Turrise’s classes are fun, there is always a great lesson to be learned within them including, teamwork, proving points, strong arguments, advancing academic deliveries, and much more other than the lesson itself.
“The strongest lesson is being wronged and embarrassed and realizing it after,” said Turrise.