High school physics can be dull and full of memorizing theories and equations, but boring is not the word students use to describe John McIlmoil's physics classes at Timpview High School.

McIlmoil's classroom and lab intrigues students with all the experiments and nifty gadgets decorating the room.

John McIlmoil, also known by his students as "Mr. Mac" or just "Mac" is in his 15th year of teaching science at Timpview High, and this year he is specializing in physics.

"I like to teach physics because you get to play with toys," McIlmoil said. "Real physics is about doing things, and the students actually have hands-on learning."

McIlmoil did not always dream of becoming a teacher. He first wanted to be an engineer, but after returning from his LDS mission, McIlmoil humorously said he thought one year of engineering would kill him. He instead turned to teaching, because of his love for people and the challenges associated with teaching.

"I wanted to have a challenge day to day," McIlmoil said. "I love the kids, the relationships that I have gained and the fun, that's why I am still here."

McIlmoil graduated from BYU in 1994 with a BA in physics education and minors in biology and P.E. sports. He coached wrestling for four years but stopped to open up more time to earn his master's in instructional design at the University of Utah.

Brad Monks, assistant principal of Timpview High School, said he is proud to have McIlmoil as a teacher at the school.

"He's awesome," Monks said. "He has a unique sense about him that the students tend to bind to. Physics is a tough subject for kids and he makes it fun, interesting and valuable."

Monks said McIlmoil's students have few discipline issues, because he truly cares about his students, their education and their future.

"Mr. McIlmoil brings his students along and helps them reach their potential and grow into good young adults," Monks said. "He is not worried about teaching the students, but more about the students learning."

Kristi McIlmoil, McIlmoil's wife of 14 years, said she can see the love he has for teaching and for his students.

"He loves going to work everyday," Kristi said. "Teaching is his passion in life and he loves to do experiments. In fact, some of his students have posted their experiments on YouTube."

She said her husband loves when students who have graduated keep in contact, or come and say "hi" to him in public.

"He loves to see the life impact that he has had on his students," she said. "It reassures his teaching and also has an impact on him as a teacher."

She also said her husband is involved in his students' lives, but he is also good at separating school and home and is very active in their son's life as well.

"John loves to teach but it also gives him the chance to have the time to watch his son grow up and be a part of his life," she said.

John McIlmoil is also active in the school by being a member of various committees, such as the professional development team and the Provo District Science committee.

McIlmoil said the first day teaching isn't fun anymore, he will quit.

"It's so much fun to see the lights turn on in students' heads when they have figured things out," McIlmoil said. "I love to see kids achieve something they didn't think they could and I want to help kids learn to be good responsible people."



Copyright Brigham Young University 9 Oct 2008