Favorite part about teaching: “My favorite part about teaching is having the opportunity to present great works of art, which have impacted my life, to a group of students. From an Otis Redding song, to Moby Dick, we have the opportunity, as inheritors, of the American culture to pass that along to the next generation.”

Job you would have if not a teacher: “There are but two jobs in the world I would like to have if I were not a teacher. In my younger and more vulnerable years (shout out to Fitzgerald), I wanted only to play in a punk rock band. I desired nothing more than to tour the country with my best friends, playing music in a different city every night. Now that I am older and bit more experienced, I think that I would rather spend my time as a lighthouse keeper or a park ranger. The allure of being out of a city with time to soak in the majesty of the natural world, while getting to read and write is very appealing. Only if I was not a teacher, of course.

Piece of advice for students: “Life is not a movie about you. All too often, we are caught up in our own happiness, our own GPA, our own plans for the future, that we forget that there are other human beings around us who have the same desires, fears, hurts, and loves as us. If we could just take the time and effort to stop our personal movie and help someone else selflessly, then I think we’d find the fulfillment we are all really seeking.”

Biggest pet peeve: “I consider myself to be a fairly laid back person, and there is not much that really gets me riled up, except traffic.”

Interesting fact: “I suppose an interesting fact is that a few years ago, I had the privilege of spending two summers teaching English in Gulu, Uganda. I was able to work with some amazing teachers and students in the war-torn region of Northern Uganda. I was placed in two secondary schools, both displaced by the war and filled with former child soldiers, orphans, and others affected by the war. Not a day goes by that I do not think of my time in that incredible country, surrounded by the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. I long to return and share a meal with my friends.”

Favorite thing about the subject you teach: “I teach American Studies (AmStud), which is a combination of AP US History and AP Language & Composition. The best part about what I teach is that I get to work with my older brother, Aaron, every single day. We are not only brothers, but close friends, so it is really rad to be able to come to work and spend my day with him. I also love that our class is focused so much on the humanities and the important role they play in American society. With the current focus on STEM programs, it is good and proper for us to espouse the immense value of painting, poetry, literature, music, film, photography, philosophy and other areas of the humanities that are central to the formation and life of America. AmStud gives us the chance to pass on the ‘old verities,’ as Faulkner calls them, that have been passed down to us.

“What I admire the most about Mr. Oyster-Sands is his eccentric facial hair, the hipster style of clothes he wears, as well as his talent and interest in music.” -Kinar Ohanian, junior

“I like Oyster-Sands’ trademark mustache, his collection of bow ties and how he is casually passionate about the subject he teaches.” -James Welch, junior

“Mr.Oyster-Sands is the Ron Swanson of Plano West. Behind his gruff countenance and signature mustache, there is a heart of gold (and a surprisingly extensive knowledge of rap music).” -Dallas Killeen, senior