Peter Byler

 Math may not be a subject that most high school students enjoy, but for one of City High’s newest Principles of Engineering and Physics teacher, Peter Byler, it’s what shaped his future career.

“I really remembered a handful of teachers [from high school], and the teachers I remembered the most happened to be my math teachers. I had five different math teachers in high school and I can still see their faces in my head like it was yesterday,” Byler said.

It was the result of those teachers’ influence that inspired Byler to major in physics. Though it was only after working in an architectural firm that Byler discovered his interest in teaching. He made the decision to enroll in a licensure program, and became a student teacher in the Principles of Engineering class.

“City High has a really exciting energy and diversity.” Byler said.“I have 150 new people that I’m excited to get to know.”

However, Byler is not completely new to City High. He walks by it every day when taking his kids to school, and has been a resident of Iowa City for four years. He also lives right next to City High, and talks about the beneficial atmosphere City High provides for him and his neighbors.

“City High is really the thing that brings our neighborhoods together. I’m really excited to be a part of that.”

Byler also stated his enthusiasm for the extracurriculars that City offers Though he won’t be helping with any of City High’s after and before school activities for the 2017-18 school year, he is excited to cheer for any of his students participating in them.

“I’m looking forward to a lot of the co curricular activities. When I go to a football game or a concert or a place now I’ll actually know the kids who are in there,” Byler said.

However, his enthusiasm is not limited to his student’s activities outside of the classroom. Byler is also excited to be teaching his students more about engineering and physics throughout the school year.

“He can always help you. If you have a question, he can always help you find the answer.” said Ashley Sheehan ‘21 “He’s just good at explaining stuff; he makes the the class fun”

As his first year teaching continues, Byler looks forward to continuing to help his students. He especially wants to encourage any and everyone to pursue careers in STEM fields if they’re interested.

“I want to reach out to every student and let them know that if they have any interest at all in science or engineering that those types of fields are going to open a lot of doors down the road.” Byler expressed “I want to help students broaden their expectations for what they can do.”