For Mr. Bodenrader, teaching psychology at CCHS is more than a job—it’s a lifelong passion. As he puts it – “It is a good life!” He loves his job because every day, he gets to talk about ideas, issues, and theories that he finds fascinating. He remarks, “It’s really great when your genuine interests match your occupation!”
One of the most important lessons he teaches his students in psychology is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and the importance of intrinsic motivation in long-lasting happiness. Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from someone wanting to do something or finding value in it. Meanwhile, extrinsic motivation is motivation that comes from outside factors, such as praise, money, or awards. For Mr. Bodenrader, who got an undergraduate degree in Psychology and still reads psychology books for fun, it’s clear that his love for teaching psychology is truly intrinsic. As a teacher, it’s equally clear he hopes to impart this wisdom on to his students as well, hoping that one day they too will pursue interests they find fulfilling as well.
Throughout the fair share of duties brought by teaching, including lesson planning and grading, Mr. Bodenrader has one clear favorite: “When I am actually in the classroom.” During this time, he notes that “Students here ask great questions, have interesting insights to share, and in general are open to immersing themselves in the material and appreciating it.”
Other than psychology, Mr. Bodenrader has another side to his personality: the music-loving, concert-going, guitar-playing side. His music taste spans all genres, but he has a soft spot for “jam / improvisational / jazz music, and country music.” On mornings before class, he normally plays some mellow music for students so they can ease into the day.
Not content to just listen to the music, Mr. Bodenrader at times picks up his guitar and adds his own flair to songs by singing. (It’s true, on a rare occasion, he sometimes starts singing during class). “I like to learn country songs and sing and play them on my guitar—sometimes I even add a bit of harmonica into the mix,” he says. Last June, he performed at the West Concord Porchfest, an especially special moment for him because “a good number of wonderful students and fellow teachers came to listen and support me.”
And if one of his favorite artists is in town? “I’m going to see them, no matter what day of the week it is!” he admits, laughing about the occasional sleepy mornings that follow. His ultimate dream is to see his favorite band, Phish, perform at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Last, but definitely not least, family is yet another priority for Mr. Bodenrader. Weekends often mean watching football or basketball with his sons or taking walks in the woods with his wife. And when his daughter—currently a college junior—comes home, coffee shop outings are an absolute must for them.
For Mr. Bodenrader, teaching is a fun experience that combines his love of psychology, a connection with students, and the joy of lifelong learning. Whether he’s in the classroom, performing music, or spending time with family, Mr. Bodenrader’s passion shines. As Phillip Zimbardo, a famous American psychologist and professor, widely known for conducting the Stanford Prison Experiment (one of the most famous psychology experiments of all time), Mr. Bodenrader is “the best psychology teacher in the world”. Whether you’re a famous psychologist or a fellow member of the CCHS community, it’s no doubt that Mr. Bodenrader is truly an inspirational figure to many.
