FACULTY VOICES: LIFE OF A “TRIPLE THREAT”

French teacher, football coach, wrestling coach, and assistant Head of House – Patrick “Pat” Loughlin is the classic “triple threat,” a lifestyle concept unique to boarding schools. It’s a role that requires an uncommon level of commitment and a special affinity for students and the boarding school experience. This is Loughlin’s first year at Lawrenceville, but he’s worked at boarding schools before and is a graduate of the Pomfret School, a coeducational boarding school in Connecticut. He knew exactly what he was getting into.

“When I was looking for jobs after college (Denison undergrad, then Middlebury for a master’s), I knew I wanted to return to a boarding school community,” says Loughlin. “My own high school experience was overwhelmingly positive, and I attribute that to the environment and opportunities a boarding school provides. (Teaching at a boarding school) was a way for me to give back to the type of community I benefited from so greatly.”

Loughlin was drawn to Lawrenceville by what he calls its balanced approach to education. “I was looking for a school that valued academic excellence, as well as excellence and education through athletics, because I see myself as a teacher and a coach,” he says. “For me, they are one and the same.”

It’s a good thing he feels that way. His responsibilities as offensive coordinator for the varsity football team extend into the spring, with workouts three to four days a week. In between, during the winter term, he’s an assistant coach for varsity wrestling. Add to that: teaching four sections of French; advising six Fifth Form boys; serving as the assistant head in Upper House; logging 1-2 late duty nights each week, 11 p.m. to midnight; and Saturday night duty, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., twice each term.

Here’s what a typical week looks like for Loughlin during football season:

“Depending on the day, I’ll start with breakfast in Abbott at around 8, then head to my first class about 30-45 minutes early to prepare for the day ahead. On a typical day, I might teach two French classes in the morning and another in the afternoon, with consultation somewhere in-between. There might be a School Meeting or advisory period during the day. After classes I change for practice and head to the football field from 3:30 to 5:30, then dinner in Abbott with a few of my players. In the evening, if I’m not on duty, I’ll try to strike a balance between down time and preparing for the next school day.”

He continues:

“On Saturdays with classes, I teach two classes in the morning. Then I’ll either get on the bus for an away game or head to the field for a home game. If we’re home, the game might end around 5; if we’re away, we’ll get back to campus around 8-10 p.m. depending on travel. By Sunday afternoon, I’m reviewing Saturday’s game and starting to prepare for the week ahead in the classroom, on the practice field, and for our game the following weekend.”

If you’re thinking this doesn’t leave much free time, you’d be right. It’s a seven-daya-week job. But Loughlin is all in for the boarding school life.

“In my opinion, there is no better place to work with young people,” he says. “We as faculty have the ability to see a student in our classroom, on the field, on the stage, in the House, in the dining hall, etc. We get a full view of who that student is. The connections I am able to form with students are profound.”

These relationships with students are a strong motivator. “As I watch them grow, learn and succeed, my job becomes even more rewarding,” he says. “Is it intense and crazy at times? Absolutely, but that’s also why I love it.”

Pat Loughlin’s experience is a common one among Lawrenceville faculty. Supporting the efforts of Lawrenceville’s teachers, including through increased compensation, lifelong learning opportunities, and easing the pace of life for faculty families, has been a major priority of the Emerge Transformed campaign. The Campaign ends on June 30, but Faculty Support will continue to be a fundraising priority. To learn more about ways you can support the Lawrenceville faculty, contact Greg Carter, Assistant Director of Advancement and Director of Principal and Leadership Giving, at (609) 895-2114 or gcarter@ lawrenceville.org.