By NICK PREGIBON
Beakon Staff Writer
First year Cardinal Mooney teacher, Stephen Bada, has been putting changes into our technology department into the school. With only one semester under his belt at Cardinal Mooney, Mr. Bada has become a favorite implementing creativity, diligence, and life morals into his classes.
In a quiet room in the back of the library, you would think it would be the most isolated and sealed area from the school. However, Bada mades it feel like one of the most important classrooms in the school. His students feel the same way, as they have worked hard to produce many creative projects.
“Before Broadcasting Journalism, I never knew what the use of the computer lab was. In my past three years, we have never done anything as creative and fun in the computer lab. I wish Mr. Bada was here for all four of my years.” said William Desmond, senior at Cardinal Mooney high school.
Mr. Bada is a relatively new teacher, beginning as a substitute teacher two years ago. He wanted to do this because he owns his own business and the school years are his business’s slow time. When he earned his alternative license, he found a last minute job at Valley Christian. Then this year, he was hired at Cardinal Mooney after an interview with school president and principal, Nick Beyer. Even though Bada is a newer teacher, he brings a lot to the table.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, and after college there weren’t many routes for a full time business or technology teacher. But 15 years after graduating highschool, there was an alternative license for computer science. I wanted to get out of my business analyst work because I started working 80 hours a week and this schedule is perfect. I love working with kids and I really want to get back into the coaching track. This is the perfect situation for me.” said Bada.
Along with Mr. Bada, Cardinal Mooney has hired a new teacher, Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones has taught at Valley Christian for one year, teaching middle school accelerated math. He has worked alongside Mr. Bada and knows how much effort Mr. Bada puts into teaching.
“Mr. Bada is a great guy who got along with all the teachers. He taught computer science at the middle school. He has a compassion for teaching — he loves it. He’s striving to be a better teacher like we all are. I think he is a great fit for Cardinal Mooney.” said Jones.
Many other staff members have noticed how much time this “rookie” has put in for the school. Lori Radinsky, campus minister, has observed how well the school has been doing communication wise. Students are more up to date because of Mr. Bada’s work.
“Mr. Bada has made the announcements and the communication in this school better by finding creative ways to do the communication. Students are more engaged with the video announcements and have fun listening and participating.” said Radinsky.
What sets Mr. Bada apart from most people is how he cares for others. One key thing that motivates him everyday is his family and kids. While working before teaching, Mr. Bada would work long hours, but for a good price. Soon Mr. Bada was faced with a tough decision, keep working, or cut down the hours to make room for family. Choosing Happiness over money is a difficult decision for most people to make, but Mr. Bada has done that for his family. Making these types of sacrifices are inspiring, and it shows a lot about his character.
“It’s hard to put into words, but having someone love you just because you are there and care makes me want to do anything for my kids. It is life for me. I left high paying jobs to be an even better dad because I had less time. Now that I am a teacher, I can be all in on my job and all in on my kids, and it is the best thing in the world.” said Bada.
Having qualities like this is something unmatched. Caring for family is something that is difficult to do at times. However Mr. Bada made big sacrifices to do not what is better for him, but for his wife and children. That is what Cardinal Mooney is about, and Mr. Bada has been implementing these qualities in the classroom.
“With teaching, I want the students to learn from my mistakes so they can be more successful. I love to create and have fun, I try not to keep my students in a box. I let them create and I help guide them. It’s so rewarding to see my students improve and improve. I remember those times when I was recording and it’s just so exciting.” said Bada.
At 34 years young, Stephen Bada is following the path of life he is blessed with. Taking his life lessons, he tries to inspire his students to be successful and work harder than him. Mr. Bada has turned the old “outdated” computer lab and flipped it around to one of the student headquarters at Cardinal Mooney. With only one semester in the books, Mr. Bada has gone above and beyond. He is a great addition to the Mooney Family.