Mr. O'Brien Post-Dispatch

Math instructor sees teaching change with the times
January 5, 2007
By Michelle B. Mueller
SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH


Kevin O'Brien is considered a lifer at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School. He started his tenure 27 years ago, just one year after the school opened.

As the teacher with the longest tenure at the school, O'Brien has witnessed many changes. Some of the biggest have been moving four years ago from the Walnut Park neighborhood to a new building in the Grand Center area. The new campus gave students and staff members such amenities as central air conditioning, a track and football field, and access to upgrades in technology throughout the building.

O'Brien began his career at Cardinal Ritter by teaching health, physical education and physical science. After two years, he started teaching mathematics. Although he has taught all levels of math, he has spent most of his career teaching college-level courses in calculus and algebra to juniors and seniors.

His math lessons have changed over 25 years. Rather than using the textbook for the majority of lessons, O'Brien depends on technology to keep students engaged and challenged. Graphing calculators, a SmartBoard and PowerPoint presentations are staples for teaching.


"If it weren't for technology, it would be pretty boring," O'Brien said. "I want students to think outside the box, so I present problems with more than one answer."

In addition to being the math department chairman and upper-level mathematics teacher, O'Brien during the years has coached freshmen boys' basketball and varsity softball and baseball and assisted with the varsity football team. He also was athletic director for four years during the transition to the new campus.

More about O'Brien:

Where did you go to high school? St. Louis University High School.

Education: Bachelor's degree in math from St. Louis University; master's degree in teaching in secondary mathematics from Webster University.

Hobbies: "Sports. Whatever is in season, but especially baseball and football. I enjoy watching and participating in sports."

Who inspired you to pursue a career in education? "My father, John J. O'Brien. He taught history and philosophy of education at St. Louis University for 45 years. The nun I had in eighth grade, Sister Mary Carol at St. Luke's in Richmond Heights. She really challenged us to be better than we thought we could be."

What's the best part of your job? "Seeing students who are successful come back and tell me what they're doing and how Ritter changed them. I like going to class reunions. I do think it keeps you young working with young people."