Скачать или смотреть WhyMPUSD: Marina High School Freshmen Seminar and History Teacher John Wolf

When John Wolf first set foot on the Marina High School campus in 2010, he couldn’t have known he would one day become its longest-tenured teacher. Nearly sixteen years later, Wolf continues to inspire students through history lessons, freshman seminar, and, most importantly, daily moments of connection.

Wolf didn’t begin his career in education. After graduating from UC Davis, he pursued law school and spent a summer working for the Orange County Public Defender’s Office. That experience became a turning point.

“I would interview people in holding cells before their trials, and sometimes there were kids there,” Wolf recalled. “They couldn’t even pay $50 bail and chose to stay in jail. It broke my heart. I thought, what if I could reach kids before they ever got to this point?”

That question shifted his path from law and politics to teaching. He earned his credential and began teaching in Woodland, California, before finding his way to Marina High.

At Marina, Wolf is known for creating an environment where students feel supported both academically and personally. His freshman seminar class, for example, incorporates The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens to help students build confidence and life skills.

“It’s like free therapy each day for them,” he said with a smile.

Wolf also embraces small, meaningful gestures that help students feel seen. He keeps a jar of positive affirmations in his classroom, encourages students to take one when they need a boost, and makes it a point to connect with them about life beyond school.

“You may not remember every lecture, but you remember the moments when someone cared about you,” Wolf said. “I try to fill my days with little positive interactions that can make a big difference.”

Teaching history remains one of his passions, but Wolf brings it to life through storytelling.

“History is about stories,” he explained. “It’s not just names and dates—it’s what we can learn from the past and apply to our own lives. When students make those connections, that’s when the light bulbs go off.”

His impact extends beyond the classroom. Wolf treasures the emails and messages he receives from former students, sharing how his encouragement prepared them for college or helped them through difficult times. Some even invite him to weddings years later.

Outside of school, Wolf stays busy as a dad to four children, ranging from a toddler to a current Marina High senior. He’s also a sports fan—so much so that he’s bought stock in professional teams just to say he’s a part-owner, a detail that never fails to spark conversations with students.

Reflecting on his years at Marina, Wolf remains grounded in his purpose.

“You never know what students are going through,” he said. “A little bit of kindness can go a long way. If I can be that role model and make a positive impact, that’s what it’s all about.”