My name is Tom Traeger. I came to Monrovia by way of a Realtor who insisted that my wife and I would really like living in Monrovia and that she had found a condominium that would be perfect. At first, I said no because I had grown up in La Crescenta and worked at La Canada High School at the time and thought that was a great place to live. My wife, Daphne, grew up in San Gabriel and still works there as a science teacher at Gabrielino High School, so we also considered buying a home in San Gabriel. Monrovia won out, and we have enjoyed living here ever since 2004!
I am the youngest of five children and grew up in La Crescenta. I originally aspired to become an airline pilot and/or scientist, but changed my career to being a science teacher after I enjoyed a teaching internship and credential program in the Santa Barbara schools while attending UC Santa Barbara in the early 2000s. I discovered that I enjoyed knowing more about the Universe around me, but enjoyed sharing that love of natural science with others even more. Teaching seemed like a natural fit, and I have taught subjects in high school like Geology, Earth Science, Astronomy, Physics, and Environmental Science. I have also taught middle school science for one year out of my 21 year teaching career.
I worked at La Canada High School for sixteen years, but became tired of the commute that would often take 55 minutes just to drive 14 miles. I also wanted to be closer to my own four children, be a part of their education and activities, but also to serve youth and families in my own community. So, I decided to look for a teaching position closer to home. I then taught science for two years at Duarte High School, and then had a chance to take a teaching position at Clifton Middle School. I taught there for a year until a position opened up at Monrovia High School, where I have been teaching for the last two years. I currently teach Physics and AP Physics 2. I also advise two clubs at MHS – the Aviation & Drone Club and the Astronomy Club. We have an on-campus observatory at MHS, so I am ecstatic to have access to such an amazing facility. My Aviation & Drone Club is currently building a drone that we hope to compete in the UAS4STEM Competition in the near future.
My hobbies are bicycling, building and flying model airplanes, and setting up telescopes for school and community astronomy nights.
I also assistant coach for my youngest son’s baseball team, serve as a den leader for the Lion and Wolf dens in Monrovia Cub Scout Pack 66, volunteer at my oldest son’s robotics competitions, and am also a part of the Monrovia Community Emergency Response Team, CERT. I love being able to serve my family and my community and could not think of a better place to live and work!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a wonderful wife named Daphne who teaches science at Gabrielino High School. My oldest son, Eric, attends seventh grade at Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School. My oldest daughter, Laurel, and youngest son, Jasper, attend fourth and second grade respectively at Bradoaks Science Academy. My youngest daughter, Emily, attends kindergarten in the dual immersion Spanish English program at Wild Rose School of the Creative Arts.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love teaching because I am able to teach amazing subjects to my students and to help them to discover their own passions. Students will come back to me years later to tell me about their lives, and it is great to know that I was able to positively influence them in some way.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We enjoy going to Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant because of the family-friendly atmosphere. We also like going to 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill for their great selection of beer on tap and their good food.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Monrovia for seventeen years and have worked in Monrovia for three years now.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would say the most interesting people I have met in our community are Rudy and Rosa, the owners of Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant. They always make my family feel welcome when we go to their restaurant. My kids always ask to go there to see them.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would eventually like to go to Norway. My mom’s family has always told me about our homeland, and I would like to be able to visit there someday.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie: Field of Dreams. Favorite TV Show: An old show called Black Sheep Squadron that aired from 1976 to 1978
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Follow your passion. I borrowed that from Jen Jackson, my former principal at Clifton Middle School.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Get my commercial pilot and certified flight instructor CFI ratings. I am a rated private pilot, but I would love to be able to teach flying to others.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Rush
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Foothill Flying Field, aka Monrovia Airport, was our local airport on the corner of Huntington and Shamrock, where the Shell Station currently is, from 1928 to 1952. I would have loved to have flown out of here. I always think about it every time I see the mural on the Aldi, former Albertsons, store across the street.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would like to have lunch with Neil deGrasse Tyson because he has some great wisdom for the world. We would have lunch at Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant, of course!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Everyone I know works hard to make this a place that you want to raise your children.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Winding down my teaching career, but continuing to serve my family and the community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I get pretty sentimental when thinking about my mom and all she sacrificed for our family. Thinking about my mom is one way to get me to cry.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hiking the Dolomites in Italy. I still marvel at how ancient coral reefs are now on the highest of mountains.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite Month: November, the shadows are amazing, Favorite Holiday: Christmas, because of family and the electric trains we would always set up as a kid, Best single day on the calendar: The Autumnal and Vernal Equinox on September 22nd and March 21st because day and night are of equal lengths.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Landings, every time they are done safely.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom. She always believed in me.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cherry pie in the oven and a Christmas tree lot
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Comfort, and Family
