Mr. Vangi is in his second year here at Flushing High School, specifically in the Social Studies department. Although he teaches AP U.S. Government and Politics and Regents-level classes, many may not be familiar with his name.
Handling both Regents-level history and AP classes has been a journey of learning and growing for Mr. Vangi. He says he often learns alongside his students, while staying committed to giving them a high-quality education, stating, “The students also ask many thought-provoking questions and have tested my skills as an educator, leading me to further search to improve myself for my students.” His classes are full of thought-provoking questions that push both him and his students to grow.
Mr. Vangi originally went to college to study biology education and even taught chemistry early in his career before moving into Social Studies. With these experiences, he shaped his teaching style into a unique blend of science discipline and historical analysis. At Flushing High School, he appreciates the tight-knit community of students and staff who work diligently to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
Furthermore, since the new phone ban, Mr. Vangi has noticed a significant increase in student participation, stating, “As the phones previously provided an escape for students to avoid those interactions.” He also ensures that he limits his own phone use during class, modeling the respect he expects from his students.
Mr. Vangi first knew he wanted to be a teacher at the age of 14, and by the time he was 20, he switched from biology to Social Studies Education, and he has not looked back since. Mr. Vangi loves teaching in general, though. I truly believe that the subject doesn’t matter to me; what is important is being in a classroom, interacting with, and educating our students.”
The main advice Mr. Vangi gives his students is to be confident, as he believes it will go a long way. Looking back, he sees that many of the worries he had growing up weren’t worth it. He believes that confidence and being yourself will help you achieve the life you want.
His words of advice to his students are, “It goes a long way, and a lot of things I worried about growing up, looking back, weren’t worth worrying about. Be yourself and you will get the life you want.”
