Lafayette Spotlight: Eric Hetzel

Eric Hetzel is a teacher here at Lafeyette High School. He teaches AP Calculus, High School Calculus, Algebra 2 – Trig, and Algebra 2. He’s also taught Geometry, Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra, Math 7, and Reading.  I had a chance to ask him a few questions—read on to find out more!

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: I grew up in Bradley Beach and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ; the Jersey Shore. During my summers, I hung out at the beach; loved the arcades, mini-golf, surfing, fishing, and fun food.

Q: How long have you been teaching, and how long at LHS?

A: During my first full week of teaching at LHS there was 9/11. We had TV’s in the room; we all watched how that horrible day. I’m glad the TV’s were removed from the rooms. Before I taught at Toano Middle. I’ve been here twenty two year now. Each year is so different.

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: I went to New Jersey Institute of Technology. We called it New Jersey Tech. My first degree was B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. I also attended Old Dominion for a Master in Secondary Education.

Q: What subjects do you teach?

A: Currently I teach AP Calculus, High School Calculus, Algebra 2 – Trig, and Algebra 2. I’ve also taught Geometry, Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra, Math 7, and Reading.

Q: Why did you become a teacher?

A: While being an engineer in Florida, I had worked up the from being the Chief Engineer to being a General Manager. I found out we were merging with another company, so I quit while moving to Virginia. Found Williamsburg to be a great place to raise a family and the schools were good. I went back to College and decided to teach. I became a teacher in Williamsburg to raise my family and be part my community to raise our kids.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I fly-fish for fun.

Q: What is your ideal vacation?

A: The ideal vacation would be in a mountain cabin with steams for fly-fishing.

Q: What is your favorite cheese?

A: White American cheese is the best for grilled cheese sandwiches.