Ready for Flight: Bishop builds confident learners

 McIntosh High science teacher Seth Bishop empowers students to try bold new ideas.

Bishop originally planned to be a doctor, but found he just didn’t enjoy the hours in a hospital on the medical side. One of the jobs he had during college was working with the Boys & Girls Club and that led him to his passion. He helped kids with homework, played games, and mentored them. He loved seeing the excitement in their faces when they brought in improved test grades and graduated high school.

“It was very rewarding,” Bishop remembered. “That was huge for me. That’s when I realized that was the direction I wanted to go.”

That led him to substitute teaching while he worked on his teaching certificate. He launched into the career that became his calling.

“It’s been phenomenal since then. I’ve had a blast.”

With the Chiefs, he teaches Accelerated Chemistry and Scientific Research courses, and he serves as the school’s STEM Coordinator. He loves the hands-on side of teaching science and encouraging his students to make it interesting.

“I love the engagement, the labs, the real-world learning,” he said. “Let’s go have some fun. If you have a ‘what if,’ let’s figure it out.” 

Bishop also leads the school’s powerhouse drone team. Out of the 10 years the Chiefs have traveled to the national competition in Wisconsin, they have won 1st place five times with multiple other top 3 finishes. Several students have been offered internships by companies at the national competition.

“We are the team to beat. When everybody shows up, they’re looking at what we’re bringing.”

Bishop loves being able to offer students the freedom to learn and find their own path.

“I love seeing the kids go out there and feel empowered. They know there’s a safety net. They’re not afraid to fail,” he said. “The kids, it’s all them. I’m here to support and let them go crazy.”

“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.

Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.

Episodes will also be available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200811.