Mr. Strunin: Winner of February’s Help Desk Spotlight

In his 15-year teaching career at Sharon High School, Mr. Strunin has always strived to use technology to enhance his students’ learning, and his efforts have paid off. This month, he was featured in Sharon High School Help Desk’s “Teacher Spotlight,” a rebooted initiative where students nominate teachers who innovatively utilize technology in their classrooms. Nominations are made through a Google form, and the teacher with the most nominations is featured through Talon articles, Schoology newsletters, and the school’s TVs (where the Google form can also be accessed). Mr. Strunin dominated February’s Google form responses, with students singing praise about his teaching methods.

Mr. Strunin currently teaches Honors and Standard English II, as well as Film Studies. The English teacher was “appreciative but surprised” to hear about his recent achievement. “I really don’t like using some of the tools we have,” he says, noting the dangers of technological dependence, “[but] having those technologies for [my students] is really important for me. It’s about my students being able to have access.” 

Mr. Strunin comes from a background in technology himself, having worked in the computer industry before teaching at SHS. He recalled that Sharon’s technology was at “the most rudimentary level” when he arrived, although things are vastly different today. 

One of Mr. Strunin’s current responsibilities is managing AI usage with his students. “AI makes everything so much more complicated,” he explained. “I try not to worry about it too much because whatever happens is gonna happen.” Mr. Strunin emphasized the importance of students making informed choices with words in their writing. For example, he allows his students to look up synonyms for words in their essays, but only if they understand the nuances of each word’s meaning—a skill AI can’t quite achieve. 

The English department is still somewhat conflicted about rules regarding AI usage and plagiarism. Mr. Strunin uses a plagiarism contract, as well as multiple AI checkers, to set clear boundaries between academic integrity and plagiarism. “I draw a very clear line,” Mr. Strunin asserted. He stressed the difference between the student using technology to aid their writing versus using AI to create their work.

Overall, Sharon High is still attempting to navigate through the waters of AI usage with the troubles—and assistance—they bring. Mr. Strunin has successfully cut through the noise of conflicting opinions about AI to prioritize his students’ learning. His thoughtful and balanced approach towards handling technology to benefit his students demonstrates why his students’ nominations won him February’s Help Desk Spotlight.

The link to the Help Desk’s nomination Google form is here for any students who have a teacher in mind to shout out for next month.

Any questions regarding the Help Desk Spotlight can be directed to Stacy Newman at [email protected].