Most students know Mr. Adam Slack as a friendly face who doesn’t hesitate to ask about how their day has been, but what else does Warren Hills’ favorite kinesthetic learner have to say?

Slack didn’t always plan on being a teacher. Originally, he intended to go to school for turf science after attending Warren County Community College, leading him to shadow a greenskeeper for a week over the summer. After discovering he didn’t enjoy the job as he thought he would, he began to look for other education and job opportunities. When his former metal shop teacher, Charles Hill, suggested he consider teaching and visit Millersville University, “it was love at first sight,” Slack said.

From Millersville, Slack earned his Bachelor of Sciences (BS) degree in Technology Education in 2006, and went on to get his MA in the same from Ball State University in 2010. Later, he would get his MA in Educational Leadership from Centenary University in 2021.

After receiving his first master’s degree, Slack began working for a World of Outlaw Sprint car team, which had been a dream of his from a young age.

Currently, Slack teaches Essentials in Construction and Carpentry, Wood Manufacturing I and Foundations of Robotics–all technology education classes involving kinesthetic learning. His favorite process is welding.

“The Tech Ed department teaches students skills they will utilize throughout their entire lives,” said Slack. “The foundation of my classes is based on problem solving, which applies to everything we encounter.”

Slack’s devotion to learning and work ethic began in high school. 

“I still reflect on the teachers I had and wonder how I can integrate the things they did to make my teaching style better. Mrs. Nancy Terhune was able to connect with me on a personal level and make me passionate about a subject I disliked. Mr. Hill was my metal shop teacher who of the four years I had him gave me 15 A’s and one F, which taught me a significant life lesson: there’s never time to slack off–pun intended,” said Slack. “Mr. Frank Fenimore made everyone feel welcome, wanted and special and that is something that I think is not valued enough!” 

In addition to the classes he teaches, Slack also advises the US First Robotics Club and the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Archery Club. 

Outside of school, Slack lives with his girlfriend, two bulldogs, and a pond full of koi and frogs.

His hobbies include competing in shooting sports competitions such as Archery and Sporting Clay tournaments.

For those who might want to pursue a career path in technology and/or technology education, Slack suggests asking a teacher to shadow their class to see the classroom in a totally different way. 

“This goes for any student,” said Slack. “If you ever want to talk about college or trades/unions, please feel free to stop and have a conversation. I have probably already said hello to you in the hallway a bunch of times haha.”

Slack’s favorite part of teaching is working within the community he graduated from to help young people see their potential while teaching them information they can use in careers post-high school. He loves interacting with people:

“I often joke that I’m better at being a person than being a teacher,” Slack said. “Students always ask ‘why are you so happy?’ and my response is that it is a conscious decision. I could come in grumpy and mad or I can come in to make someone else happy and excited for the day. That is something I can control and something students come to value about their Mr. Slack experience.”