My name is Mr. Kurilla and I am excited for this new year in 8th grade at the Abington Middle School!  While growing up in middle and high school I  was very involved in music and knew that I wanted to work with kids.  I didn't foresee a career in Music Education, so at the University of Delaware I pursued my undergraduate degree in Elementary Teacher Education.  

Growing up in and around Philadelphia, I truly appreciated and loved the local history that was well known, but also enjoyed digging deeper to find stories that were not as well-known and often were not found in my textbooks.  So in determining my concentration, I chose Middle School Social Studies.  I had hoped to get a job teaching 8th grade American History.  

After graduation I was lucky enough to find that job at Abington Junior High (now the Abington Middle School!)  Ever since then I have been teaching American History.  And one of the things I first tell my classes about American History - it isn't always pretty.  There are hard things to discuss that affect our country and us as individuals to this day.  But, I always have emphasized that recognizing the past, addressing and discussing it, and engaging in these conversations is necessary for us to grow.

Other than teaching at the Middle School, I have spent time in my community running an all-volunteer foundation for a number of years, singing and performing in community musical ensembles, teaching across the country as a clinician for student leaders in marching bands, and I have worked with the marching band at the Senior High as well.  I try to keep myself busy and engaged with reading, traveling, and spending time with my friends. 

I'm looking forward to this school year!