This year, Germantown Academy has the pleasure of welcoming nine new faculty members to the school The Edition was able to learn more about them.
Mme. Sonia Robin is an addition to the modern language department. With around 12 years of teaching experience, Mme. Sonia Robin is enthusiastic about sharing her passion for teaching with the students.
When asked what she loves most about teaching, Mme. Robin said, “The energy in the classroom, when there’s a spark, and especially when you teach a language, to be able to see my students take a tool and use it, that’s the best reward.”
Mme. Robin encourages a classroom environment where people are comfortable trying their best and making mistakes.
“Take risks, take risks, take risks. I really emphasize communication and oral production. I like games and situations that relate to today’s life,” Mme. Robin said.
Mme. Robin later shared her immigration story from France and what it was like to learn and adjust to an unfamiliar culture. Mme. Robin also taught English in Sri Lanka.
As for her time out of the classroom, she enjoys many hobbies. To name a few: singing, guitar, spending time with her two kids, watching movies, and listening to music.
“I look forward to collaborating with all of the amazing people here, and connecting with my students and advisees,” said Mme. Robin. Welcome to our community!
In addition, Mr. Jibri McLean is joining GA’s counseling office this year. His mother was a principal in the Baltimore school system, and he was exposed to teaching his whole life.
“They can always come to just say ‘hi,’ my door is always open, and I genuinely care about the comfort and well-being of the students,” Mr. McLean said.
Mr. McLean kept busy over the summer. He took a trip to Colorado to hike and sightsee, as well as visited South Carolina for the Fourth of July.
Looking forward, Mr. McLean is excited to connect with the students and experience GAPC day. Welcome, Mr. McLean!
Another addition to GA is Ms. Kim O’Brien. She has nine years of teaching experience, and has taught a multitude of different courses. When asked why she wanted to become an educator, Ms. O’Brien explained her love of the course material and being present in the classroom.
“I love interacting with the students. That’s my favorite part of it. They keep me guessing. They make it rewarding. They keep me on my toes,” said Ms. O’Brien.
When prompted on what her expectations are for her students this year she said, “Try their best. That’s always my expectation. It’s not about getting the best grade, it’s about trying your best and building on skills you already have.” Ms. O’Brien continued, “In the classroom, we are supporting one another.”
She enjoys reading, biking, walking, listening to music, and concerts. Looking ahead, Ms. O’Brien is excited to get to know the students and the community. Welcome, Ms. O’Brien!
Ms. Lindsey Stamer, a new Latin teacher in the classics department, grew up in Scranton and is coming back to Pennsylvania to work at GA. In addition to working at GA she works at a summer camp called Timber Tops and her favorite part of summer is spending time outdoors with her best friends.
“I like teaching Latin because people like to say Latin is a dead language. I want to have my students advocate that Latin is everywhere,” Ms. Stamer said.
When meeting with a new history teacher, Dr. Ben Wollet, came from University of Delaware and he spent the summer up in the Pocono Mountains. Dr. Wollet loves being a teacher because he is able to help and make an impact on students’ learning.
Additionally, when Dr. Wollet was asked about why he teaches, he said that “I love when I leave the classroom and feel like I really reached someone, or had an amazing class where I know the people are learning to love history.”
Meeting the new health and wellness teacher and girls lacrosse coach Ms. Diana Shumar. This is the first school she has worked at and came from an orthopedic office for the last 13 years. Ms. Shumar played lacrosse at University of Delaware.
“My favorite part of being a coach is being able to share something I’m really passionate about and share a big part of my life with these student athletes,” Ms. Shumar said.
Mr. Joaquim Hamilton college counselor is excited to be joining the Germantown Academy faculty, coming with experience from schools such as the Westtown School, Philadelphia of the Future, York College of Pennsylvania, and Swarthmore College.
Mr. Hamilton grew up in North Philadelphia and attended Pennwood High School. This summer, Mr. Hamilton helped coach at the 76er’s camp that his kids attended.
One thing Mr. Hamilton wants people to know about him being a counselor is that “I enjoy the relationship building and being a cheerleader and champion for my kiddos. I’m trying to make it as easy digestible for you as possible it shouldn’t be scary it should be fun thinking about I get to pick where I want to go and who I want to be for the next 4 years.”
Another new addition to the Germantown Academy faculty is Dr. Claire Barwise, who will be joining the English department this year. She previously comes from Abington Friends and most recently taught at Drexel University.
“One of the things I enjoy most is teaching a text that I read before, but seeing it in a totally new way because a student has a different insight or some personal perspective that they’re bringing to it.” Dr. Barwise said about her favorite parts about teaching.
Ms. Mckenna is another new addition to the Germantown Academy faculty who will be joining Dr. Latch and Mr. McLean as a counselor. She previously comes from Donaldson middle school in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ms. Mckenna is grew up in Villanova near greater Philadelphia. This summer, she traveled to Iceland with her family.When Ms. Mckenna is away from work, she enjoys riding and taking care of her horses.
“Building relationships with my students but also with co-workers and families to help support the kids.” Mrs. Mckenna said her favorite part about being a counselor is.
GA is excited and ready for the 2023-2024 school year. Welcome Me. Sonia Robin, Mr. Jibri McLean, Ms. Kim O’Brien, Ms. Lindsey Stamer, Dr. Ben Wollet, Ms. Diana Shumar, Mr. Joaquim Hamilton, Dr. Claire Barwise, and Ms. Laura McKenna. It is sure to be a great year!