Three teachers and a new prefect started at Stiftsschule Engelberg in August. Arni Häcki, math and IT teacher, starts the introductory round.

A few words about your background (studies, previous schools):

Remarkably, even the house in Stans where I grew up was a private school before it was converted into a residential building. I stayed in Stans until my A-levels. After that, I worked in an elementary school in Zurich as part of my civilian service for a gap year before studying mathematics at the ETH and graduating with a teaching diploma from the Lucerne University of Teacher Education. During my studies, I already gained a lot of experience in the teaching profession, for example as a deputy in Stans and Reussbühl and at times also in the preliminary course for the BM in Lucerne. So all in all, a lot of schools …

What tipped the scales for your career choice? Were there any formative experiences in your school days? What influence did they have on your own life as a teacher?

I certainly had some benevolent teachers in math and the kangaroo test also contributed to my choice of study, but ultimately I would probably have ended up there either way. The logical thinking and difficult puzzles of mathematics have always attracted me.

Why the Stiftsschule Engelberg?

It just turned out that way. I actually always said to myself that I didn’t want to take on a permanent position at my old school (in Stans), but that’s how it turned out. Engelberg then came knocking because there was still a small position available. So for me, on the one hand it’s an insight into a different school, and on the other hand I have a lot of family ties with Engelberg.

What are the great things about being an apprentice?

What I particularly like about teaching is the linguistic and social aspect, and of course the great freedom I have in organizing my lessons. I have so many opportunities to look at and package the content in new ways again and again, and I’m constantly challenged by different classes. I like that.

What do you do to clear your head, what is your balance to everyday school life?

I cycle to and from work almost every day. That helps immensely. As I’m only in Engelberg on Tuesday mornings, I come up on Monday evenings and spend the night with relatives. I can then roll down again as a reward.

I also enjoy making music, acting, reading, learning languages and being active in nature.

Many thanks to Arni Häcki!