Hayley London ’16, Claudia Teti ’16: This year, Episcopal has the pleasure of welcoming five friendly new faces to various teaching departments in the Upper School. Jim Erwin, Steven Schuh, Andrew Newton, Ahsley O’Connor and Annemarie Strange are all new members to the Episcopal community. As Chair of the Music Department, Erwin is taking on many new responsibilites, including advising the Upper School’s vocal ensemble and playing the organ in chapel. Before assuming his teaching role, Schuh coached for EA and is now ready to begin his career in the classroom. Newton and O’Connor have both joined the Math Department and are excited to be new members of the community. As a new biology teacher, Strange is looking forward to spending time in the classroom with her students. Scholium caught up with each of the teachers to hear their perspectives on their new roles at EA.

NEW TEACHERS HARD AT WORK: Top left: Outside of the classroom, Newton works one on one with a student to further develop math skills. Top right: O’Connor helps students solve problems to ensure comprehension in the future. Bottom left: Erwin stands behind the piano to keep the Upper School choir on key during rehearsal. Bottom center: Schuh covers the board in detailed notes while bringing a new point of view to the AP US History course. Bottom right: Strange makes biology seem not so “strange” while teaching course fundamentals to eager students.
Photos courtesy of Sammi Ciardi ’15 and Julia Adelizzi ’16

Jim Erwin

Music

Before beginning his first year at EA as the chair of the music department, Jim Erwin was initially attracted to Episcopal’s balance of different academic areas.  “It is the perfect size for a vibrant program in the arts, athletics, and academics,” he said, also adding a comment about his admiration for the school’s motto, “Esse Quam Videri.” Erwin’s favorite part of his job thus far is hearing the Upper School chorus students sing everyday. “They are fantastic,” he remarked. Erwin expressed his respect for the music department, saying,“ We are so fortunate to have this caliber of musicians dedicated to teaching.” Erwin stressed his belief in students’ capabilities to produce amazing art and explained that his colleagues inspire him daily. “At EA, we are all life-long learners who love the process of discovery and growth.”

 

Steven Schuh

History

“I was initially attracted to EA because of its reputation as a great academic school that also had great athletics,” expressed Steven Schuh, who just recently traded in his position as a substitute teacher for a full time spot in the history department. “I became very impressed with both the quality of the EA students and the dedication of the faculty.” Being a  coach as well as a teacher, one of Schuh’s favorite parts of Episcopal Academy is stepping outside of the classroom and watching students thrive in various sports settings. In addition to satisfying his athletic interests, Shuch commented on how Episcopal has developed his career, not only as a teacher, but an educator.“The EA community has already, and will continue to help my professional growth because of the outstanding educators on the faculty and their willingness to listen and impart great advice.”

 

Andrew Newton

Math

Andrew Newton, new math teacher, says, “I have chosen to teach as a career and with that in mind, I want to be the best teacher that I possibly can be. Episcopal Academy provides that opportunity so that I can be my best.” Also regarding developing his teaching career, he explained that, “Episcopal Academy has an incredible amount of professional development opportunities throughout the summer and even during the school year.” He complemented the staff dynamic as well noting, “Not only that, but the faculty is so cooperative in their planning that I get to bounce ideas off of fellow teachers regularly.” Newton also added that his favorite part of EA is the student body, and their hardworking nature.  “They are incredible in every way.  Every student displays determination, intelligence, cooperation, and just an overall positive aura.”

 

Ashley O’Connor

Math

Ashley O’Connor is another new edition to the math department. O’Connor  was initially attracted to Episcopal because she “loved the sense of community and school spirit” for which the school is known. “The reputation that Episcopal Academy has in its faculty and students is outstanding.” Regarding how she thinks Episcopal will help her develop her professional career, O’Connor is excited about the prospect of enhancing her mathematic expertise. She commented, “I think it will help strengthen my content knowledge as well as look into how mathematics connects to other disciplines. O’Connor’s favorite part of her transition into the new community has been getting to know the students and faculty that she works with every day. “Everyone is so friendly and ready to work hard to achieve their goals and represent EA well!”

 

Annemarie Strange

Biology

Annemarie Strange, a fresh face in the science department, said she was drawn to Episcopal Academy mostly because of the students. Commenting on the demo lesson she  taught before receiving the position, Strange said, “So many of them seemed to be genuinely engaged in the class and many of them stopped to say ‘thank you’afterwards, which was incredibly sweet.” Strange also remarked on all of the opportunities for professional development that Episcopal offers to its teaching staff. “I am very excited about the prospect of developing some more in-depth biology courses as electives for upperclassmen.” Stange’s favorite part about EA is interacting with her students. She notes that she is very keen on doing research in the classroom with them, and she truly believes they   all are “the best students in the school.”

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