Brian Stagliano’s departure left the finance room short a teacher.

The class has nothing to fear, however, because Business teacher Edward Ogalo is more than ready to step up.

Although Ogalo is new to WS, he is quite trained when it comes to teaching.  For the past two years, he has been an active substitute for Fairfax County and he is currently working on his PhD  in teaching.  He brings his experience and vast amount of knowledge to his new position.

“I’d like to make a difference in at least one student, but I want to make a difference in all,” said Ogalo. 

Not only does Ogalo enthusiastically take on his role as a teacher, he is also a worker for the South African government. Through a government program, he is currently teaching kids how to utilize their knowledge to help other students throughout the world.

“[We are working] in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda,” said Ogalo.

Although Ogalo has extraordinary global connections, he has also already made strong bonds with those who surround him in WS.

Ogalo has been met with a warm welcome, and he is very impressed with the helpful attitudes that appear in both his student and his colleagues.

“I haven’t found any situation where students are not helpful and courteous,” said Ogalo.

Ogalo enthusiastically dove into his new position as a teacher, stressing the importance of business and finance in the world.

While he realizes that the class is an elective in high school, he brings a serious attitude toward finance because he recognizes its powerful implications both in college and beyond.

“It doesn’t matter where or what field, there is always a business side,” said Ogalo.

In addition to holding strong convictions about his beloved subject, Ogalo heavily emphasizes his accessibility to students. He gives his students plenty of contact information and online resources so they can reach him in case they have any concerns.

“There is lots of work on Blackboard,”said Ogalo. “[They can] feel free to call any time, day or night.”

Most importantly, Ogalo wishes his students to know of his love for the subject and his indomitable desire for them to succeed.  He strongly wants to impart his knowledge to them so that they can carry that information into their own lives.

“We are only wise when we apply knowledge correctly,” said Ogalo.