HORNET’S NEST Proctor Academy | October 3, 2022 | Vol. 8 | Issue 1
New Faculty Profiles, School Leader Advice
“I know that the beginning of the year can be so overwhelming and stressful, but try to take everyday with optimism and openness because it goes by faster than you could ever expect.” - Grace Bean
Ex-Proctor Student Comes Back for More By Finn Connor
Charley Stern, a 2009 Proctor Academy graduate, has come back to Proctor after fourteen years. What brought you to Proctor? When I first arrived at Proctor as a student, I remember the feeling of entering a switched-on and deeply connected community. It was populated with educators committed to their individual work, while also being a part of something much larger. And, perhaps most importantly, people at Proctor were psyched about being at Proctor. I am thrilled to have the chance to dive back into this world as a member of the faculty. What are your roles at Proctor? I am a theater director and teacher. I also work in the communications department, am the faculty advisor to the Jewish Heritage Group, and am a dorm parent in Davis House. How has the start of the year gone - best and worst moments? The year’s off to a great start. The best moment has been when the cast of our fall play (Almost, Maine) multiplied from one actor to ten! As we continue to grow the performing arts here at Proctor, it is extremely gratifying to see students show up and dive head first into the field I’m most passionate about.
“Treat every opportunity like it’s your last.” - Maksim Watton (pictured center)
What are three things you can’t live without? Live theater, skiing, and my dog, Finnegan (good name, right!?) What’s one thing you would change about Proctor? Andover, NH is a bit of a food desert. If I could change one thing, it would be to bring some great restaurants to town. What’s your favorite food or favorite musician? I love Italian food – I could eat pasta and crusty bread every day. My favorite band is The Rolling Stones.
was last Thursday… After that class, I took a step back and… I just get up there and I’m being myself, and I trust myself, I can teach!
The Newest History Teacher in Town: Caroline Koziol By Helen Armstrong
Being a teacher is complicated. But being a teacher while still in school is a whole different story. What is it like? What brought you to Proctor? I was a student at Colby Sawyer and I needed a student teaching placement for one of my education classes and my professor brought up two options for me. Either go into the public high school and maybe get a chance to teach history there, where there weren’t a lot of great options, or come to Proctor where there was for sure a role for me with student teaching… I went to Goeff Sahs [and sat] in on a few of his classes, I sat in on his AP US History class and his Econ class, which was really fun. What are your roles at Proctor? As of right now, I’m only teaching two US History courses. I’m trying to get more involved with the field hockey program because I play field hockey myself, but I am currently still finishing up my education. How has the start of the year gone - best and worst moments? It’s my first year teaching, so I’m very hesitant about everything I do. I try to be very reflective and take a lot of notes about my own teaching and my own thoughts. It’s definitely chaotic because I’m trying to learn who my students are… So I think one of the drawbacks, I guess, to the first week, is trying to figure out what works, what doesn’t as far as time management... But I’m definitely getting better with it. For one of my highlights, I think for sure
What’s one thing would you change about Proctor? I think allowing time for breaks within the class. If each teacher was not forced, but highly encouraged to give a break in the class. I think an hour-long class is a really long time for students to sit there, especially if it’s a class they’re struggling in or not as interested in. What are three things you can’t live without? Pasta (that or garlic bread), my field hockey team at Colby Sawyer, they’re definitely my second family, my home away from home, and my dogs. What’s your favorite food or favorite musician? Pasta and Still Woozy!
leader, which was exhausting. How has the start of the year gone - best and worst moments? Some of the best were orientation, which was exhausting. 9th grade history has been great, 9th graders are wild but they’re fun with tons of enthusiasm. Worst - my family is still down in Boston and it’s not the worst moment, it’s just the hardest piece being here by myself. What are three things you can’t live without? Well I’m discovering my family, living without them is pretty tough, coffee in the morning, and music! What’s one thing you would change about Proctor? I would have orientation get back a day or two early because it’s just rough, I mean we get back at noon and we have dorm meetings that evening and everything the next day, so just a day to sleep and rest.
Brian Didier: From Boston to NH By Yamni White Hat
Returning to school is difficult and can be hard for students, but how about for teachers - do they dread the start or look forward to it? What brought you to Proctor? Good question, a couple of things, Jen Baker. She was a former colleague of mine up at the Winsor school of Boston and she just raved about this place. 15 years at the same school seemed about enough time so just looking for another challenge, a new school, as well as Proctor’s experiential learning programs for me and my son who is in 8th grade. What are your roles at Proctor? Burbank East dorm parent, History teacher, J.V. girls soccer coach, and orientation
What’s your favorite food and favorite musician? Favorite food is probably Indian food. I lived and worked in India for a number of years so I just love the food and I love to cook it. Favorite musician or band is The Clash.
What are three things you can’t live without? Three things I cannot live without are family and friends, dreams, and food
The Lei-down on Zhen Lei.
What’s your favorite food or favorite musician? My favorite food: huh, great question. I cannot say what is my favorite, but I did become more open-minded to [new] foods. I am willing to try different foods now, and now my list is getting longer and longer. I love to try all kinds of food.
By Ty Chermsirivatana
What’s one thing would you change about Proctor? The mosquitos and coyotes (lol). I haven’t been here long enough to experience a flaw.
“Proctor offered me my dream job where I can teach both Mandarin and Spanish.” What brought you to Proctor? I worked in Middle school and college most of the time, high school is a new place for me to teach and learn. I’d love to get to know the students from different age groups, and I want to explore … different teaching skills and strategies. Also, Proctor is a boarding school, which gives more opportunities to know students and the school from different aspects. What are your roles at Proctor? My role here is not only as a language teacher, and dorm surrogate but also as a learner. I am learning about the school culture, sports, and students from different places in the world. Proctor is a unique place that makes me interested to explore. How has the start of the year gone - what are the best and worst moments? I felt a little bit overwhelmed at the beginning, there are a lot of activities that I haven’t done before. But I received a lot of help from colleagues and support from students. It made me feel so lucky that I can work here. I really enjoy working with such a great team. Everybody here is so caring and supportive. I can definitely say that this is my best experience.
What are three things you can’t live without? Flannels, music, and a good book.
What’s your favorite food or favorite musician? Favorite musician is tough. My top 5 musicians are Bad Bunny, Jessie Reyez, Hozier, Kaleo, and Leon Bridges.
Dartmouth and Proctor Together By Kellen Healey
Josie Sanchez is a new teacher in training as well as a student at Dartmouth. What brought you to Proctor? The opportunity to be a Dartmouth Fellow. (From an August profile of Josie: “The fellowship program … provides aspiring educators an opportunity to receive a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) while participating in a two-year practicum at one of the participating independent schools.”) What are your roles at Proctor? As of now, I currently don’t teach any classes, but I shadow Shauna, Mel, Ellie, and Megan. In the spring I will be coaching softball with Lindsay and Raz. How has the start of the year gone - best and worst moments? Just starting at Proctor is the best part. I have enjoyed and loved every moment of it. The most difficult time was the transition of being a student at Dartmouth and onboarding as a faculty member. The stress of finals, moving, meetings and orientation was a lot to handle. Glad I made it through that.
New Beginnings With Bio & Botany By Ben Mensforth
Tina Nussbaum-Wagler is starting a new job at Proctor full of new opportunities. What brought you to Proctor? I had been working as an administrator in another private school in the area and was looking to get back to the classroom. The position opened at Proctor and it seemed a great fit for me since I already was familiar with the community. What are your roles at Proctor? I teach Biology and Botany. How has the start of year gone - best and worst moments? The year is going well so far. I’m learning a lot and I’m feeling welcomed into the community. Best moments so far have
been going into the woods with both my Biology and Botany classes to take advantage of the amazing outdoor space and seeing things firsthand. Worst moment was today in class when I thought it was October but it’s only Sept .20th! Thankfully they kindly corrected me. If you could take part in any off-campus programs, which would it be? Definitely European Art or Proctor Costa Rica. What is one of your passions? My passion is music and I love to sing. Also, I love to go to Target and try new crafts. What are three things you can’t live without? 1. chips and salsa (I count that as one) 2. spending time outside 3. spreadsheets
Is this a different experience from being at your previous school? Definitely different, I was working in a public school. Here at Proctor, the students want to learn and are more kind.
What’s one thing you would change about Proctor? It’s pretty amazing so far so I’m not sure I have any suggestions yet. That may change the more I get to know Proctor.
What’s your favorite food or favorite musician? Cheez-its and his favorite musician changes day to day, so his top three are The Grateful Dead, Van Morrison and Tribe Called Quest.
Marc Flaherty
By Toriyan Johnson
By Elijah Torres
Alyssa Costa brings her musical talents to Proctor. What most excites you about the Proctor community? I love the Proctor community, basically, it’s such a strong community and the students want to learn which is exciting as a teacher.
What are three things you can’t live without? Music, Cheez-its, and baseball. What’s one thing would you change about Proctor? Saturday classes.
What’s your favorite food or favorite musician? Thai green curry with tofu (other than the chips and salsa listed above)
From Public to Private School
How has the start of the year gone - best and worst moments? Marc has been having some challenges coming to Proctor because he didn’t go to a boarding school so living in a dorm is different. He says that the teaching aspect of the job has been surprisingly smooth and he enjoys teaching his students.
What brought you to Proctor? Marc went to Colby Sawyer for undergrad and taught here last year. Marc said that he fell in love with the campus and teaching culture. He has been teaching for two years so he thinks Proctor would be a good way for him to work on his craft of being a teacher. What are your roles at Proctor? Marc is a history teacher and during the winter he is going to be a developmental ski coach and in the spring he is going to be coaching baseball.