Mr. Petterson, when you’re teaching World Geography or Government & Economics, do you give partial credit? Because in your teacher profile, we love that you enjoy singing and your example of singing with the Torrance Civic Chorale is pretty cool. But. Where is the mention that you are the reigning 2023 New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) Lip Sync Battle Runner-Up?! Luckily, we learn so much about you and our tuition-free 9th-12th grade high school that we can overlook it. Keep up the good work!
What’s your background, how did you come to NMSS?
I come from a teacher family as most of my family has been involved in education. This drove me towards a career in teaching and eventually working at NMSS.
What do you LOVE about NMSS? What sets it apart from other schools?
What I love about NMSS is how close-knit the campus is. Everyone knows each other and there is a high level of support that the staff offers to their students. This is an experience that you commonly don’t find in most schools.
Are you involved in other activities at NMSS?
I advise our school’s music club and I regularly attend our school’s football games that we play alongside Gardena!
Can you share a story about students going above and beyond?
Through all of the collaborative and group activities that have occurred in the classroom, there have been numerous examples of students going above and beyond with assisting their peers when they have needed it. As mentioned in why I love NMSS so much, everyone supports each other, regardless of whether you’re a staff member helping out a student or if you are a student helping out their classmates.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?
A great leader is somebody who is confident in their ability to lead while sympathizing with and listening to those who they lead. Leadership is taught in my classroom through the various group projects and team-building activities that we do in class. These activities provide opportunities for the students to work as well as giving students in these groups opportunities to lead.
What’s the best part about your role at our public high school?
The best part about my role is the idea that I’m making a positive impact on helping the next generation grow as people. The teaching profession is truly a rewarding profession!
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I’m really into singing and I perform with the Torrance Civic Chorale. I’m a big movie watcher and “The Lord of the Rings” series are my favorite films to watch. I also enjoy long distance running and I watch football and basketball. The teams that I follow are the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Call us at 310-999-6162 and talk to one of our friendly staff, or fill out an application and join our Warrior team!
About NMSS
The New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) is a charter high school in Gardena, CA committed to preparing students to become life-long learners and dynamic leaders in the competitive 21st century. NMSS was created to address the rising global competitive environment for talent. Our students enjoy a small school education with big school sports and accredited community college classes. Enroll your student today.
