As K-12 schools in Minnesota prepare to begin the academic year, English teacher Patrick Hueller at Irondale High School is set to launch his poetry collection, "Falling, In Love with Teaching." Hueller will read from his work at Subtext Books in St. Paul on Thursday at 7 p.m.
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At 43, Hueller brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience, including time as a graduate instructor during his MFA program in fiction at the University of Minnesota. His collection is a personal reflection, originally sparked when a classroom conflict evolved into poetic inspiration. He recalls a chaotic moment during a lesson on "Romeo and Juliet" when a fight broke out between two students. Hueller found himself intervening while trying to redirect their focus back to Shakespeare's themes of teenage emotions.
The poems in his collection range from heartfelt to humorous, portraying various classroom moments. Hueller opens with his early love for reading, recalling how his second-grade teacher engaged students with dynamic storytelling. This experience ignited his belief that literature can provide safe spaces for exploration and self-reflection.
His collection addresses the transformative power of literature and the diverse experiences in the classroom—both positive and challenging. Hueller hopes his work presents a relatable perspective on teaching without glossing over its difficulties. "Teaching is grueling and really hard," he acknowledges, "but it's also a life-fulfilling thing for me and for some of the great teachers I know."
One poem reflects on a usually quiet student who surprises by eagerly participating, highlighting the unpredictable nature of teaching. Hueller's intent is to capture the authentic experience of being a teacher in today's educational landscape.