At the beginning of every school year, AP Physics teacher John Mitchell tells everyone, whether they’re students or teachers, to do one thing: learn the range equation.

No matter how far physics students propel themselves, Mitchell said he wants them to be prepared. By understanding this particular equation, students can calculate and evaluate the distance as they, or the objects they send out into the world, go.

Mitchell, who graduated from University of North Texas in 2023 with a bachelor of science degree in physics, holds certifications to teach both physics and math to seventh through 12th graders. He focuses on getting work for grading and lesson plans done within the contracted school day.

“I try to keep my personal time for me, and all that fun stuff,” Mitchell said. “Obviously, KD takes some time out of that.”

Mitchell teaches AP Physics I and AP Physics C . To do this, he said motivates himself through the love he receives from his students daily. In addition to school responsibilities, Mitchell also runs a Youtube channel and works part-time for KD College Prep organization, where he teaches math, as well. But before becoming a teacher, Mitchell said he faced many difficulties. In addition to these activities, Mitchell’s Youtube Channel, Mr. Mitchell AP Physics, helps students get caught up in any information they missed. He said when he was a student, he missed several classes during middle school. His work on his channel allows students to stay connected with the content even when they have to miss school.

“I had a very, very typical goal at the time, making video games, and then it wasn’t until high school when I decided that I wanted to be a teacher,” Mitchell said. “I took AP Physics I as a junior, and AP Physics II as a senior, and I really, really enjoyed the content.”

With the busy schedule, Mitchell tries to balance his personal and professional life equally.

“I’m very happy with where I’m at, Physics I and Physics C, and I think that my main focus would be to just focus on those courses really,” Mitchell said. “Physics II is nice, but at the same time my primary expertise is in the mechanics and electricity and that’s exactly what Physics 1 and Physics C is, so I don’t really feel super eager to branch out into Physics II quite yet.”

Previously, Mitchell said he didn’t want to teach Physics II, but now, he said he is happy in the spot of teaching the subject because of his learning throughout the years, along with his positive relationships with his students. Cards, drawings and notes in his room illustrate the connections he’s made.

“Starting last year, I only had like three or four of them, and then I had a lot more as students who had me for two years graduated, students who had me my first year graduated through,” Mitchell said. “I have my thank-you notes over here on the inside, and I used to have it right here facing me. If I need to go back and read one of them I can remember why, you know, why I love what I do.”

Mitchell has a lot of memories and connections to the notes of previous students. 

“More just silly memes, just silly, and some cards are overflowing over here too,” Mitchell said. ” These are mostly just silly memes that I find on social media, and so when I see them, I screenshot them, I print them out and I put them up here.”

These memes help students and Mitchell remind them of specific physics formulas without giving the answer directly. His students, like sophomore Ishita Menon, remember formulas by memes in his class.

“Mr. Mitchell uses a lot of different memes and brainrots, and by doing this, most students are able to connect more easily because the information presented to them stays interesting,” Menon said. “He put me in charge as a classroom leader so whenever he leaves the classroom to get anything, I’m in charge.”

Similar to Menon, junior Samyukta Nanduri believes that it helps her focus more as well, remembering physics formulas by memes.

“Mr. Mitchell keeps physics engaging by using analogies to explain tough concepts,” Nanduri said. “He makes sure every student is comfortable to ask questions in class and creates engaging questions to improve student investment in physics learning.”

Nanduri believes that his class and his jokes make all students feel comfortable and welcomed, helping reduce academic stress in junior year. 

“It makes me feel good about what I do,” Mitchell said. “I really enjoy getting to work with the kids that I work with, because they’re incredible.”

Mitchell says he likes being a trusted adult figure in people’s lives.

“It makes me feel good about what I do,” Mitchell said. “I would say that the love that kids have for me, like I said, definitely runs deep. I have students who’ve graduated who stay in contact with me, and keep me updated on their lives, and, and that, I think means a lot more to me than them understanding physics.” 

This article was edited by: Kate Duncan, Alex Gutierrez and Sahasra Kandiboyina.