Get to know this SHS Math Teacher

This is the fifth installment of The Spartan Times’ series, The Teacher Feature, which shares with our readers more insight into the teachers who lead us each day.

Nathan McLellan, known to his students as Mr. McLellan or McMuffin, is in his first year teaching math at SHS, but is not new to Sanford. He spent his first three years teaching at Sanford Middle School. Here’s some information and fun facts you may not have known about him:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I grew up in Scarborough, graduating in 2013. I went to school at the University of Maine where I studied Elementary Education. I currently live in Sanford where I am the Boys Varsity Lacrosse coach. I am also working on obtaining my Masters’s degree in Educational Leadership.

If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would they be?

Enthusiastic, honest, comical.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love to play guitar, golf, camping, concerts, watch movies, and spend weekends at my camp during the summer.

What is your favorite and least favorite part about living and teaching in Maine? 

My favorite part about living in Maine would be the access to all four seasons. There is so much to do within our state, without having to travel far to enjoy it.

My least favorite part about living in Maine is raking leaves. You spend so much time outside cleaning up your yard, and by the time you go inside and make a sandwich, your yard is covered with leaves again!

My favorite part about teaching in Maine is how you are able to relate with students with activities they like to do during each season. We have a very diverse group at SHS and it is interesting to see what each student does for enjoyment throughout the year.

My least favorite part about teaching in Maine would be the dark, gloomy hole known as the month of March. There are no days off and with it being dark before and after school, you can see and feel the toll it takes on students and staff in the building.

How long have you been teaching at Sanford? What do you like about teaching here? (Is there anything you dislike about it?) 

This is my fourth year teaching in the Sanford School District. This is my first year at SHS, I previously taught at Sanford Junior High for three. I really enjoy teaching at Sanford because of the atmosphere created by the staff and students. Administrators have always been very welcoming and helpful with finding a solution or answer to any problem or question I have had.

Students are very down-to-earth and easy to have a conversation with and make connections with. I have found many things in my life to be relatable to the students’ which helps make connections and build relationships, and helps students feel welcome and comfortable in my classroom.

Where else have you taught? And, if you could teach one other subject or class, what would it be? 

Sanford is the only school district I have taught in. I think I would give [teaching] Spanish another shot. I would be a little rusty and have to do some serious review, but I think it would be a lot of fun.

Is there anything else about you that you’d like our readers to know about you? Or do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share? 

Pizza and Tacos are my favorite foods. The best thing you can do with Mac n Cheese is to throw it away!!