Teacher Spotlights

As the school year comes to a close, we reflect on some teachers who have made this year memorable. While this list does not encapsulate all the amazing educators at NHS, it is a look into some of the people who embody the core values of our school.

We asked multiple teachers these three questions:

✎ What is your favorite memory about teaching at NHS?

✎ What is something you’ve learned while teaching at NHS?

✎ What is your favorite part about being a part of the NHS community?

We thought it would be interesting to hear from our teachers who spend their days tirelessly overseeing our academics and see what some of their favorite things are about the vibrant community here at NHS. Thank you to all the outstanding teachers, whose dedication to their students advances our learning and individual growth.

Ms. Maffei:

1 & 2) My favorite teaching moments are actually moments when students did something (rather than something I did). I once had a 12th grade student who was adamant that he didn't like reading. I mean, this student admittedly did not read any of the works we had previously studied and proclaimed more than once that "books are dumb," But he really connected with existentialism and the love-triangle-drama of the play No Exit. Once he learned the premise of existentialism, he was fully invested. He read ahead, he was animated entering class, he engaged his classmates in debate...That day that he burst through the door of 717 and announced that we needed to talk about what happened (in a portion of the play that the rest of the class hadn't read yet), my heart was so happy. And then he was hooked for the rest of the year. I already knew but was able to experience first hand that you can reach even the most closed off student. I never give up on any of my kiddos. This keeps me up some nights, but definitely gives me purpose. Another favorite moment was at the start of one year when I grouped 9th graders together for small discussions. Instead of jumping right in to the prescribed tasks, one student said to her group, "Let's go around first and each share our favorite cheese". So each of the other 3 students stated their cheese preferences. That group didn't finish first. And they didn't care. They got where they needed to, and they got there together, having learned something about one another in the process. I loved witnessing the student's authentic desire to build connection with her peers; and I have tried to incorporate community building in all of my classes/lessons ever since because school is more than learning and grades: it's about finding a sense of belonging/being a part of a community of learners.

3) My favorite part of being part of the NHS community is just that: the community. My colleagues are unparalleled educators and phenomenal human beings.

Ms. Bergeron:

1) One of my favorite memories from my time teaching at NHS is attending graduation for the first class of Seniors that I'd taught since their Sophomore year. Graduation was on the field that year, and it was so fulfilling to visit with the students before they filed out through the parking lot to the ceremony. The sun was shining that day, and I have a strong memory of how iconic it felt to celebrate together and congratulate students on the momentous occasion. It really made an impression on me and demonstrated how much of an impact students and teachers can have on each others' lives.

2) While teaching at NHS, I've learned that I need to be as adaptable and open to learning as students are. Teaching is not just about understanding content and sharing that knowledge- it's about empowering students to take what they have learned and apply it to various aspects of their lives. It's about teaching them to challenge, to collaborate, to have grit, and to think creatively and empathetically about the intersections of their lives!

3) My favorite part about the NHS community is the collective sense of support. I am grateful to work in a school that believes in the voices of its community members and strives to create opportunities for staff and students to use their voices and evolve.

Ms. Downey:

1) One of the memories that sticks out the most is in my first year teaching at NHS, maybe in one of my first classes, was all the students saying "thank you" as they left the room. Everything else was pretty familiar-- the bell rang, the students grabbed their bags and filed out but along the way were a lot of "thanks, Magistra!" or "have a good day!". It was really small and simple but it made me feel welcome and good about the decision I had made to come to NHS.

2) Oh, this is a tough question! I feel like I'm learning new things everyday from my students. Every year, I learn new ways my students can be confused about the Latin language!! Students have also taught me the very important technological skills like personalizing my bitmoji or how to put my computer into silent mode so my mom's texts about what she can start for dinner don't pop up in the middle of the lesson.

3) The NHS community is extremely supportive. I feel loved and valued by my students, my colleagues, my bosses, and the community. I also adore living and working here. It's the best to run into students when you're at Sudbury farms. Seriously! Having the students see you as a person with a life, and seeing the students working or shopping for their family, is important. When it comes down to it, we are all people living and working together.

Ms. McCarthy:

1) My favorite memories are when I have had fun and been silly with my students. During our speeches to entertain in Public Speaking, I once laughed so hard that I cried and snorted at the same time. I always enjoy getting students out of their comfort zones, like when I had my juniors create scenes out of a key chapter in The Great Gatsby.

2) I have learned that in my career as an educator, the work striving for equitable access for all of our students is never done, and can't be set aside. Students experience a range of challenges to their learning, including specific learning disabilities, mental health, and the social and interpersonal challenges of sharing a big building with a couple thousand people every day. My time at NHS has helped me to continue developing my skills in working with students as they navigate a range of challenges during their time here.

3) My favorite part about being in this community is working alongside so many excellent professionals who also happen to be wonderful people! In particular, I really appreciate having wonderful role models as I balance the responsibilities of my family and work.

Ms. Griffiths:

1) Being a part of an extracurricular activity. I was involved with the Habitat for Humanity Club for several years and we would volunteer at a Habitat affiliate in the US during February break. It was great to see a diverse group of students work together, live together, support each other, and have fun while outside the classroom environment.

2) It's not NHS specific, but if something does not go right one day, you always get a redo the next!

3) The support. People are always there to listen and to help when needed.

Ms. Vallieres:

1) It's hard to choose one memory; there have been so many great moments over the years! I love when something that seems really difficult to students at first suddenly clicks. Also, having a senior HR this year, it's been such a joy to watch them learn and grow and get ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives.

2) Working together, we can learn more and further our understanding; everyone has something different that they bring to the table. We don't always have the answers, so we keep trying to do our best, learn from our mistakes, and then try something new.

3) The math department is awesome! It's fun working with collaborative colleagues who are excited about math and care deeply about their students. I also love that there are so many different ways for people to get involved in the school community. It's great to see students explore their interests and share them with others through music, art, dance, sports, community service, and advocacy for important issues.

Ms. Priovolos:

1) I have many fond memories about teaching at NHS but I think my current favorite memory is the day we took off our masks. It was and is great to see everyone smile again.

2) To teach is to constantly learn whether it is content, new technology or how to help students develop skills they need to go forward with their academic or professional life.

3) My favorite part about being part of the NHS community is the generosity and kindness of my students and my colleagues. Last year, I had a student who would come to class early and wipe down all his classmates' desks which was such a thoughtful gesture. This example is just one snapshot of how community members care for each other.

Ms. Dowd:

1) I have many great memories, so this is tough to answer. I have really enjoyed participating in some of the activities for seniors leading up to graduation and speaking to the induction of the National Honor Society. Probably my favorite memory was chaperoning a field trip over April break many years ago to Albertville, France. This was part of an exchange program after the Albertville students had visited Needham. Traveling together enabled me to get to know those students much better, and we had a great time.

2) I have learned so much! If I had to pick one thing, I would say that I have learned that the high school years are a time of incredible growth and change for students. There have been times when I have had the privilege of teaching students over two successive years. It has been great to see those students progress in all regards over that time.

3) My favorite part about being part of the NHS community is that I laugh every day. My students always have funny and original takes on things, and I love to see them smile.