Like many of the departments at York this new school year who are welcoming new teachers aboard, the World Language is no exception. This year, York welcomes Joseph O’Malley, a new Spanish teacher here at York.

O’Malley was previously a Spanish teacher at Conant High School in Schaumburg, IL. Now he joins York as a Duke, teaching Spanish 2, 3, and 4.

Outside of school, O’Malley enjoys to stay active and involved.

“Outside of school, I am a huge sport fan, mainly watching more so than playing, but I do play some basketball and football,” O’Malley said.

O’Malley also shares a hobby that many students can relate to here at York.

“One thing I can’t live without is my Netflix account. I like the Office and Parks and Rec, a lot of those comedies,” O’Malley said.

O’Malley also shares the Chicago pride for its sports teams.

“[I like] all the Chicago teams other than the White Sox; I want to say that my biggest ones are the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks,” O’Malley said. “I’m very optimistic about the Cubs and Blackhawks this year– the Bulls not so much.” 

O’Malley is already enjoying what it is like to be a Duke.

“There is a lot of school spirit, there is a lot of energy and passion,” O’Malley said. “Most of the other two schools I have been at before, students were dead eighth hour, but my eighth hour comes in everyday excited and ready to learn.” 

“I also enjoy the music during the passing periods,” O’Malley said. “I enjoy the concept, but we might need a new DJ sometimes.”

O’Malley enjoys the camaraderie around York as well.

“Students and teachers, parents, administrators, pretty much everyone I come into contact with, has been super nice and supportive,” O’Malley said. 

Even though he’s only been a Duke for a short period of time, O’Malley is also heavily involved at York. He is one of the sponsors of Spanish Club and is already looking ahead at being involved in Relay for Life later in the school year.
York can’t wait to see what O’Malley has to offer this school year!