Philosophy teacher Mr. Rojahn has been fascinated by life’s big questions ever since high school.

A well-known figure at Dallastown, Rojahn has proven to each of his students his dedication to creating an open and safe environment for all. 

Besides thinking and talking about life, he also loved and explored music and photography in high school. Rojahn attended Dallastown and was even a part of the beacon staff as a photographer.

He went to many concerts, with some of his favorites as a teenager being Lenny Kravitz and several Lollapalooza festivals. Rojahn has kept his high school hobbies alive throughout his life by making music with his three kids and capturing his life experiences through any camera he has available.

After his own high school philosophy class changed his life, he credits one of his college professors for furthering his passion for the subject.

Since then, teaching philosophy has always been his first choice. “Philosophy is more like a personality trait, some people just can’t not think about life,” Rojahn reveals.

However, for 15 of his 21 years of teaching at Dallastown, he was also teaching Spanish for half of his day.

Dallastown was the only school that offered a philosophy course, but at the time he wanted the job, his high school philosophy teacher Mr. Cleary was still teaching. Luckily, Rojahn also wanted to be bilingual, so when there was an opening in the Spanish department he took it. 

His dreams began to come full circle once he secured a position at Dallastown. It only took five years into his career to begin teaching philosophy, along with Spanish.

Philosophy is more than just another class at Dallastown. According to Rojahn, “It has the power to be a transformational experience for students.”

While he loved teaching Spanish and showing off his goofier side, Rojahn cherishes the conversations he’s able to have with his students in his philosophy class.

He values the connections he has with each of his students. From sharing stories about his kids to being vulnerable in front of his students, he makes sure everyone feels comfortable in his classroom.

When asked what his main goal as a teacher is, he responded with, “providing relationships that are validating to the students and to never put myself or the content above the student.”

Senior Cooper Naugle explains the impact both the teacher and the class have had on him.

“Mr. Rojahn treats you like his equal,” Naugle said.

Naugle frequently stayed after class was over to share his thoughts with Rojahn about the content discussed in class.

He admired how Rojahn listened to each and every student who had something to share. Naugle even describes him as a “role model” and “friend.”

With philosophy being an extremely thought-provoking class, Rojahn makes sure to set aside time to talk to students who want to share their ideas. However, such receptiveness and care for all of his students isn’t always easy.

“The most difficult part is not having enough time or emotional reserves for all students,” Rojahn explained.

Despite Rojahn sharing his difficulty of being a teacher to so many students, this class has been important to most. Senior Gianna Pantano reflects on her experience in Rojahn’s philosophy class, while also urging all students to take it.

“Philosophy allows students to talk about complex issues, gain perspective, and grow by seeing new ideas presented,” Pantano said.