Max Pincus
Max Pincus teaches his psychology class at Mountain Pointe High School on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014.
Max Pincus
Teacher Max Pincus helps Jonathan Rowe during his psychology class at Mountain Pointe High School on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014.
Max Pincus
Teacher Max Pincus helps Lorena Rodriguez during his psychology class at Mountain Pointe High School on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014.
Max Pincus
Max Pincus teaches his psychology class at Mountain Pointe High School on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014.
Posted: Monday, August 11, 2014 11:05 am
Ahwatukee Foothills News
Mountain Pointe High School alum Max Pincus always knew he wanted to come back to his old high school and teach.
He earned his chance when he was hired as a full-time world history teacher for sophomore students for the 2014-15 school year.
Pincus, who grew up in Ahwatukee, attended Mountain Pointe from 2004 through 2007 and always knew he had a desire to teach in some capacity.
“It was one of those things that when I got out of high school, I wanted to figure out what I was going to do,” he said. “I realized that I liked talking to people, I liked helping kids out and it kind of formed into teaching.”
Pincus attended Arizona State University and received his bachelor’s degree in education 2011.
He kept ties with his beloved high school by working with the baseball program for the past six years.
Once Pincus graduated from ASU, he began his teaching career at Desert Vista High School, which gave him a chance to grow as an educator.
Although Pincus appreciated his time at Desert Vista, he knew in his heart that he wanted to return to Mountain Pointe and be a teacher at his old stomping grounds.
“This is where I grew up and this is home for me,” he said. “I really enjoyed my time at Desert Vista and everybody over there was great, but Mountain Pointe felt more like home for me. I wanted to come back and enjoy myself here.”
Along with teaching world history, Pincus also teaches psychology and sociology for freshmen through seniors.
Pincus said it was too early to tell what his first year at Mountain Pointe would bring, but he was hopeful for a memorable year.
“So far, it’s been good. Everyone has helped me out a lot,” he said. “If I have any questions or need help, everyone at the department and around the school helps me out.”
Pincus, 25, feels that his young age is not a disadvantage, but rather a way for him to relate to his students on a personal and professional manner.
“The biggest thing I try to do is relate to everyday life,” Pincus said. “I want the kids to, whether it’s history or life, I want them to be better prepared for the next level. I want when they leave my class, they’re better prepared for the future whether it’s for a job or college. I’d rather them learn how to be a good person and be a functional member in society then remembering a specific date in history.”
Along with starting to teach at Mountain Pointe, Pincus will be the assistant coach for the varsity baseball team. He is also in the process of house shopping in Ahwatukee.
“I’m looking forward to trying to make an impact with the students,” he said.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or dochoa@ahwatukee.com.
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