Our Favorite Teachers
Andrew Thompson – For me there are several, including my Mock Trial advisor Maria DaFonte and English teacher Alex Cunningham (I still remember Caedmon’s Hymn), but to pick one it would have to be my 10th and 11th grade US history teacher, Bradley Durnell. He had the inspiration to take our class to both Gettysburg for the 144th anniversary of the Civil War battle, and Washington, DC where we received a tour of the Capitol from our congressman. But, I remember Mr. Durnell most because he taught me how to write well, period. After a year of timed essays, harsh critiques and awful grades, I left high school with a love of wordsmithing that gives me joy every day at Haverford College, our student newspaper, and working at Azavea!
Amy Trahey – I would have to say my most influential teacher was my eighth grade teacher, Mrs. Leonard. My class was extremely small; therefore it gave her the ability to work closely with everyone. Her words of wisdom, encouragement, and sincerity allowed me to go into high school level-headed and aware of what I want to do with my future. She really made all of us quite comfortable with the fact that we were growing up and changes were going to happen every day. I wish I could thank her today for all of the wonderful days we spent together!
Carissa Brittain – Dr. Howard Stephens was my Marching, Concert and Orchestra instructor for 4 years. He pushed me into a position of leadership before I thought I was ready, but at the same time offered me all the support I needed to meet his demands for excellence. He was my first teacher to both demand and earn my respect rather than simply assume it.
David Middlecamp – I remember at least half a dozen teachers who influenced me the most. They were thoroughly prepared, imaginative, caring, enthusiastic, inspirational, and life-savers (you know who you are). I am very grateful for their support and impact on my life. As a side note, students should be allowed to write software to solve their homework for them (where applicable). It’s a much better way to understand the material, and build problem solving skills than simply doing “exercises 10-30.”
Mary Johnson – My most influential teacher was also my spiritual mentor and a very dear friend for many years. Father Joseph Austin Graff’s life lessons in humility, kindness, generosity, and grace have had a profound impact on every aspect of my life and provided an example that I will always aspire to but never quite achieve.
Mike Tedeschi – My high school had a strong focus on visual communications, and Judy Sobko was the reason I decided to go to school for design (she taught the design classes—most were better than college-level courses). Not only was she one of the best teachers I ever had, she continues to be a source of inspiration as a friend and mentor.
Rachel Cheetham-Richard – Mademoiselle Miquies, my first grade teacher. She was a hardcore old-fashion no-nonsense teacher. She made us read aloud at the blackboard in front of everybody while we’d have to point to each word we read with a long heavy stick. She had the voice power of a large man and rarely smiled. But she loved and respected us. She taught me how to read, write, and count: the basis of everything else that followed. I am forever grateful for her patience and dedication.
Sarah Pierro – I’ll always remember my fourth grade, social studies teacher, Mr. Palmer, as being my most influential teacher. He was a nature enthusiast. He would reward the students with hand-picked beaver sticks instead of “great job” stickers. Mr. Palmer also enjoyed teaching everything there is to know about maps. His love and appreciation for maps and the environment inspired me to focus my studies and career in the geography field.
Tamara Manik-Perlman – José Cazares, my high school social studies teacher, introduced me to some of the most exciting strains of thought and armed me with the intellectual tools to approach the world critically. By giving us tough primary sources– such as Marx’s Economic & Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844– and helping us work through them, he built up my confidence in my capacity to tackle any text or idea. And by introducing me to critical theory and the thinkers of the Frankfurt School, he forever changed the way that I understand culture, capital, and the world around me.
