As the school year comes to a close, some beloved faculty members will not be returning with us next year. One such faculty member, beloved by all, is Mr. Finn, who, through his many decades at Marshall, has left a mark on past, current, and future generations of Barristers to come. His dedication and care for Marshall students are admirable; he consistently goes the extra mile to help in any way possible. As such, I requested an interview with him for some parting thoughts as he leaves Marshall and enters a new chapter in his life.
Hello, please state your name, title, and the number of years you have served Marshall students.
Michael Finn. I have worn many hats at Marshall – Special Education teacher, Special Education Department Chair, Songwriting teacher, Bach, Rock, & Shakespeare producer, School Site Council member, Shared Decision Making Committee member, community member, and parent. I have taught at Marshall for 31 years.
How would you describe your time at Marshall?
Working at Marshall High was my dream job. To live and work in the same community is the key to living in Los Angeles, but to live and teach in the same school community is a real gift. And I am convinced that Marshall’s students are the best in the district!
What was your favorite memory of your time at Marshall?
Impossible to say – there are just too many.
What advice would you give to the students of Marshall?
You will always have a little bit of Marshall High in you – cherish it. Bring that Marshall highlight with you in all that you do.
What is something you are looking forward to in your new life after Marshall?
Travel, both near and afar.
What is one thing you would miss from Marshall?
Again, an impossible question – there will be so many. But, I will say that I will miss the teachers that I have worked very closely with. They have been inspirations for me, and I will miss them all.
What is one thing that you are glad you no longer have to deal with after Marshall?
Yeah, there are a few. I will not miss iReady, SBA, or SAT testing. I will not miss MyPLNs. I will not miss logging in to the Zoom meeting. I will not miss the fire alarms. I will not miss the website known as Welligent.
If you are willing to disclose, where you are heading after Marshall?
For security reasons, I am not at liberty to discuss my post-retirement locations.
When in Southern California, I will spend much of my time in two maintenance-deferred, century-old, off-the-grid cabins, one in the mountains and one in the desert.
What is your favorite event that you helped put on at Marshall?
The teaching of students.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Let’s call it covered!
(Interview obtained over email)
