New AP Statistics and Algebra 2 teacher Colin Hawkins’ face illumines as he shares his teaching secrets. The most fundamental aspect of being a teacher, he believes, is cultivating an earnest relationship with his students.

Hawkins’ initial impression of Paly is filled with enthusiasm and anticipation.

"Paly has a range of diverse students," said Hawkins. "All the kids seem very down-to-Earth. I’m sure this year will be great."

Hawkins, who received his BBS in Statistics from the University of Washington in Seattle, and attended both the Monterey Institute of International Studies and the University of Bonn, in Germany, originally worked in the field of market research and hated the administrative "drudgery" his job entailed.

"The whole office thing didn’t suit me," Hawkins said. "I couldn’t handle just sitting at a desk all day long."

Although Hawkins’ instincts guided him in the direction of research, he soon discovered that teaching appealed to him much more.

Said Hawkins about deciding to become a teacher: "I fell randomly into teaching. It wasn’t my instinctive career choice."

Hawkins first found out about a teaching opportunity at Paly while attending a career fair at Notre Dame de Namur University, where he earned his teaching credentials.

Before obtaining his masters degree at Notre Dame de Namur, Hawkins taught at Sacred Heart Preparatory School in Atherton. Prior to teaching in California, Hawkins was a sixth grade homeroom teacher at a private school in New York.

"I love teaching because each day brings new experiences," said Hawkins. "My students are constantly surprising me."

Hawkins, who considers himself a fairly lenient teacher, grew up in San Francisco and is familiar with the Palo Alto vicinity. He currently resides in Redwood City with his wife and three kids.

For Hawkins, one of the most attractive aspects of teaching is the working hours. The two-month summer vacation and relatively short work days allow Hawkins to devote time to his family and enjoy a fruitful social life.

"I have a daughter and twins," said Hawkins. "Outside of school, they pretty much keep me busy."

In addition to being a teacher, Hawkins is an avid athlete. He enjoys playing golf, tennis, basketball, and baseball.

"I think I’m actually too old for football," Hawkins said jokingly.

As for the upcoming school year, Hawkins is expectantly optimistic.

"It seems that people here have a great value for education," said Hawkins. "It’s always great to work at a place like that."