One of the newest additions to the Naz family is Theology teacher Don Luce who previously taught at Marist High School in Chicago. Luce joins the Theology Department and brings with him many credentials: a Master’s in Theology from the Catholic Theological Union, a Master’s in Liberal Arts from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Dominican University. 

Before teaching, Luce worked in the corporate world. He talked about one especially jarring aspect of the transition into education: getting used to being in front of a class and managing a classroom at the start of the day. Luce said it was easier being able to get a cup of coffee and relax for a minute rather than being in front of 25 kids right away. “It was a bit of a change because you always have to be on,” said Luce. 

This year, Luce is focusing on learning how to teach students with more hands-on activities along with incorporating independent work. He credits his peers for helping him adjust and giving him tips as well as allowing him to sit in on their classes. Although acclimating to a new school and classes has its challenges, he said that student discipline at Naz hasn’t been a problem. 

The biggest difference between his former teaching position and Naz is the block schedule. He likes having 80- minute periods because he finds they are more effective and he can get more done with students. “Sometimes at Marist it’d just be choppy, you’d start something and then you’d have to break and then you’d have to start it again the next day,” said Luce. 

When Luce was younger, he focused on wanting a job, but faith had always been important to him as he wanted to know and understand religion better. “Studying theology helped me understand how God works in the world,” said Luce. 

Luce enjoys listening to music too, “I like literally everything, my son is in a metal band, I like R&B, jazz, classical, blues,” said Luce. He mostly likes classic rock though, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He also enjoys watching movies and shows, specifically Breaking Bad and The Sopranos, which he watched “religiously.”