Danny Costigan

Danny Costigan was born in Boston and grew up in North Reading before moving to Brookline in first grade. Last year, he finished at Lawrence as a paraprofessional and has joined the special education department at the high school this year. He is interested in sports and coaches freshmen football and junior varsity lacrosse at the high school.

What made you want to become a teacher?

The teachers here. When I was in high school, these were some of the best people I knew. They encouraged me, they inspired me, they listened to what I had to say, they made me seem like I was worth their time, and that’s the kind of feeling that I think everyone can really appreciate. Not only that, but I got really into history while I was here, and that eventually springboarded me to wanting to be a history teacher. I’m not one now–but eventually down the line, you know? So it really started here and working with and tutoring students in college and during grad-school. I just love the experience, and think it’s fun. I think it’s worth my time and worth everyone’s time.

If someone else wanted to become a teacher, what are some tips that you would give them?

Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone that you’re not because people will see through that. Teach what you love. Make sure you enjoy it because not everyone enjoys it and that’s okay, but this is definitely something that you have to put a lot of time into, and a lot of yourself into. Really, the key is being true to yourself, and in turn, you’ll be true to your co-workers and true to your students. That really brings out the best in you as an educator and in students.

What would you say are your favorite after-school activities?

I still like to play lacrosse in men’s leagues. I really like to play video games–that’s probably the very first thing I do when I get home. And I like to watch football. I’m a really simple guy. I’m not like a rock climber, or herd sheep in the summer or anything. Video games, football, lacrosse or sports of any kind.

Any other general things about yourself?

I volunteer as a coach for the freshmen football team, and I’m also the junior varsity lacrosse coach, which is awesome. I went to high school here, and a bunch of my old teachers are still here, so it’s really awesome to see them in the hallways and ask how they’re doing. And something else about myself is that my second toe is longer than my big toe–that’s my interesting fact that I tell people.