At Carnegie, there’s a teacher who’s not just sharing knowledge, but also an infectious energy that makes learning an exciting adventure. Meet Maxim Ostrovsky, a beloved figure among students and staff alike. Known for his dynamic teaching style and commitment to spreading his love for genre fiction, Ostrovsky has an impact that reaches far beyond his classroom door.
Stepping into Ostrovsky’s classroom, you’ll find yourself greeted by a whirlwind of decorative posters, projects, and figurines, all of which show his authentically unique persona. With a knack for generating excitement and spirit in his classroom, Ostrovsky keeps his students on their toes with collaborative assignments and creative projects.
“I like collaborative learning, I think that peers do pay attention to each other, and I want to provide students with the opportunity to engage in those discussions with each other,” he says. ”I want to be able to provide students with information and insight that they can’t find online. I want to point out what I think is cool, and I want to share why it’s so cool, and hope that students will also find it interesting,”
And his students couldn’t agree more.
“He always tries to keep class discussions interesting,” says sophomore Mark Ramachandran. “You can tell he’s excited about the stuff he’s teaching, and that makes all the difference.”
Beyond his engaging teaching style, Ostrovsky is known for his approachable demeanor and genuine interest in teaching English 2. Whether it’s offering academic support or expressing his passion for good literature, he goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels included and supported.
“I see myself as flexible and understanding to different circumstances, and more than willing to work with students,” says Ostrovsky. “ I just love what I do, you know? I have fun, I feel comfortable in the classroom.”
In addition to his teaching duties, Ostrovsky is also the head of the school’s debate club, where his passion for critical thinking and supporting students in their academic journeys truly shines. The debate club has thrived under his guidance, consistently ranking among the top in the state.
“He is one of the reasons I am who I am today. He has shown me exceptional kindness and patience throughout my high school career, and I think he’s very kind if you really get to know him.” said senior and debate club president Shreya Sharma. “His drive to improve the debate club never wavered, his belief in the team and our members never wavered, and his faith in me never wavered, and I think that makes him quite ambitious.”
Although Ostrovsky remains humble about his time as head of the debate club, Sharma has much to say about how hard he’s worked to keep the club afloat.
“He taught me everything I know in debate,” said Sharma, and despite setbacks and limitations from the pandemic and lockdown, Sharma said that “Mr. O adapted and he taught us speaking and debate skills through TEAMS calls.” Sharma further expressed this sentiment, stating that Ostrovsky is “the backbone of the club” and “the reason that it’s successful today.”
In a world where education is often underappreciated, Ostrovsky stands as an amazing example of how passion and enthusiasm can transform students’ learning experiences. Through his dedication to his students and his innovative teaching methods, he has left an everlasting mark on CVHS and the lives of those he has touched.
