Two weeks ago, the upper school welcomed Spanish teacher Mr. Andrew Glassco, the newest addition to the languages department. Originally from the Bay Area in California, Glassco has lived in several different states and countries!
In the short time he’s been here, Mr. Glassco’s students have sung his praises, reporting that his lessons have been incredibly informative and engaging.
Here are Ten Questions in Ten Minutes with Mr. Glassco.
Q: Why did you choose to work at Saint Stephen’s?
A: I actually feel better in hot and humid weather. I lived in Mexico, Spain, and Brazil, and always felt more comfortable in those climates. So, when I was looking for a job, Florida seemed like a perfect fit. When the opportunity at Saint Stephen’s came up, it felt exciting to me.
Q: What was your first day here like?
A: It felt like my birthday because it was full of surprises. I received lots of new “presents”—like a big, nice new classroom, a new computer, and even keys! I also met lots of new people, and everyone was so friendly, it felt like a party.
Q: Why did you choose to teach Spanish?
A: It may be a bit of a cliché, but Spanish chose me. I remember being just six years old and feeling drawn to students from other communities. There was a girl who spoke Spanish, and although we had nothing in common, something about her intrigued me—especially when I heard her speak. Throughout my childhood, I was always fascinated by people who spoke different languages. Eventually, I traveled abroad and learned Spanish. I studied English in college and later became an ESL teacher in Spain, which is where I fell in love with teaching.
Q: If you could give your classes one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: I’d tell them to take more chances and embrace risks—not just with language learning, but with anything they’re studying. By doing so, you open yourself up to discovery. With Spanish, for example, you’ll make a lot of mistakes, but that’s how you learn—through trial and error.
Q: If a genie offered you fluency in any language, what would you choose?
A: I would choose sign language. One of my best friend’s sisters was deaf, and I would often watch her and their mom communicate using sign language. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always been fascinated by languages, so she taught me a few signs, and I found it really fun.
Q: What’s your favorite genre of music?
A: It has to be classic rock. My favorite band is the Beatles.
Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A: I’m from the Bay Area, where there are loads of great hiking spots, both along the coast and in the mountains. Hiking is definitely my passion.
Q: If you had to create any school club, what would it be and why?
A: I love nostalgia and reflecting on the past. I think it would be cool to have a club where students explore 20th-century American culture through music, movies, shows, food, and fashion.
Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Whole pinto beans cooked with olive oil and cumin.
Q: What’s the best book series you’ve ever read?
A: I wouldn’t call it the best book series, but I was definitely addicted to reading Travis McGee. It’s set in Fort Myers and follows an American private detective solving various mysteries. It really helped me become an avid reader in my twenties.
