Interview: Mr. Norcross

Andrew Berti, a member of the Monthly Panther, interviewed Mr. Norcross about his time at Browning since he is retiring after this school year. Below are the questions and answers from the interview. 

Andrew: What is your favorite memory from Browning? 

Mr. Norcross: My favorite memory about Browning is introducing my students to their kindergarten buddies at the beginning of each school year. Both the 4th graders and the kindergartners are so excited and happy to connect, and it’s great fun to watch their friendship grow through the year.

Andrew: Why did you want to come to Browning?

Mr. Norcross: I started out at Browning on a temporary basis covering a teacher who was going on maternity leave.  I fell in love with the place! I have great colleagues here and enjoy knowing my students and their families…I was so happy to stay on after the maternity leave.

Andrew: What will you miss about Browning? 

Mr. Norcross: I have made wonderful friends here, and I will miss my colleagues and seeing them every day! But I’ll be back to see both my colleagues and the students!

Andrew: How many years have you been at Browning? 

Mr. Norcross: I have been at Browning for five years.

Andrew: What was your favorite book to teach?

Mr. Norcross: My favorite book to teach is Esperanza Rising. It’s a historical fiction novel that takes place during the Great Depression, and the characters are so well developed and interesting, and there is a lot of foreshadowing. I realize something new each time I read it.

Andrew: What is your favorite book of all time? 

Mr. Norcross: I have a lot of favorite books, and it’s hard to choose one. One of my favorite books is a book I first read in college, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin. She was a fantastic author, and I always enjoy reading novels that take place during an era long ago! It feels like an escape to another place and time.

Andrew: Do you like to watch any sports? 

Mr. Norcross: I love watching March Madness (college basketball). I always fill out a bracket, but it never does well!

Andrew: How many years were you in the Air Force? 

Mr. Norcross: I was in the Air Force for 8 years. I got to live in Las Vegas, Sicily, Washington DC, and San Antonio. I also visited Cairo, Madrid, and Brussels.

Andrew: Why did you join the Air Force? 

Mr. Norcross: I really wanted to join the Air Force so that I could travel and serve our country.

Andrew: What was your favorite subject and what is your favorite subject to teach? 

Mr. Norcross: My favorite subject and my favorite subject to teach is MATH! I love math, and I like to think that I have inspired some students to really be interested in and excel in math! I think, for this reason, I also like games and puzzles.