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Ms. Alexandra Haeusser

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

My time at North Penn was wonderful. I recognized even as a student that I was surrounded and supported by amazing teachers who were so skilled in their content areas and also truly cared about the success and wellbeing of their students. My closest friends today are the ones I met in elementary and middle school here in North Penn.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

Actually, no, not really. I knew from a young age that I loved English and dolphins.Therefore, I went through high school loosely imagining myself either as a dolphin trainer or marine biologist…or something tied to reading, publishing, or communications. Ultimately, I credit my experience in Mr. Gillespie’s AP Literature class as the thing that showed me I might like to be an English teacher after all.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

Again, no. In fact, I was pretty firmly set against it…life has a sense of humor if you didn’t know. Before NP I was in Central Bucks, but I was stuck teaching middle school, which I always knew was not for me, so when the opportunity came to apply for an open position here at the HS, one of my former CB colleagues pushed me to do it. Since returning to NP, I can say I don’t regret it because the English department here is the best department I have ever had the privilege to be a part of, and it was very nice to be welcomed back by so many of my former teachers, many of whom are still here!

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

My time at NP as a teacher has definitely been a rollercoaster and nowhere near as easy as my time as a student lol. The similarity I am most grateful for is that just as my best friends as a student came from NP, so too have my best friends now come from the teachers here. I think this good fortune is a testament to the amazing collective community-both students and staff-that NP has been and is. And of course, most importantly, my time as a teacher here has been most rewarding in terms of the students I have seen get excited about reading and the students I’ve seen thrive and grow in my various roles as a classroom teacher, club advisor, and GIEP Case Manager.

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

Hmmm it seems hard to avoid cliches with advice (and even harder for me to resist the temptation to quote a writer, but I think everyone should know these things: lead with kindness and empathy, read to learn more about yourself and the world, and be open to opportunities that come your way!

Mrs. Jami Behm

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

I have fond memories of my time at North Penn as a student. The teachers, coaches and community were so connected and many of the students including myself took pride in being a North Penn Knight. There was a lot of school spirit at that time and everyone supported one another throughout the community.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I enjoyed the school atmosphere and liked learning and teaching. I also knew I wanted to be involved in athletics so when I started teaching and coaching it was the perfect mix of two of my passions.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

I was really just looking for a job in the area. I had a few interviews at local school districts and then there was an opening at North Penn and at that time it was a dream come true to come back and teach at the place that provided me with a foundation for life.

4. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students?Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

Enjoy every minute of high school. Life is full of ups and downs. Do not assume you know everyone’s story and learn to weather the storm of life. Every challenge that you face is creating another learning opportunity for you to grow as a student and as a person. We are quick to want everything to be perfect but do not ever underestimate the power of hard work.

Miss Danielle O’Reilly

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

Perhaps unsurprisingly since I am a teacher, I loved my classes while a student at NP. I intentionally crammed as much in as I possibly could and, in addition to all my English classes, I particularly loved electives such as Creative Writing and Chorus. I also was involved in most of the theatre shows, Green Room, and Chamber Singers. During my senior year, I also joined the Rugby team.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

I did not. While I was in high school, I was contemplating law school. It was not until college when I completed an Honors Thesis in English that a teacher encouraged me to think about teaching and asked if I really wanted to trade reading literature for reading law texts.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

I did not. I initially planned to pursue a Ph.D. and teach college rather than high school. However, during my Master’s + teaching certificate program through Villanova University, I student-taught here at North Penn and then that summer got the opportunity to interview for an opening here in the English department. I’ve been here ever since!

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

Teaching has been a whirlwind. I was always a very strong student, so I didn’t initially realize how difficult school could be for many students. Learning how to best help struggling students while still maintaining the rigor I believe in often presents challenges. Those challenges can be both frustrating and immensely rewarding. I hope that I have helped many students during my time here. I certainly feel that teaching has helped me to be more patient, more flexible, and more understanding than I ever was before.

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes the surprises will be wonderful; other times you will struggle. The best way to navigate the journey is to value your relationships with those that love you and to always try your best (whatever ‘best’ looks like at the moment) so that you can always take pride in yourself.

Mrs. Summer Sieller

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

I loved my time here as a student at North Penn. I tried to get involved with as many clubs and activities as possible. I dedicated myself to theatre for my sophomore year, class cabinet for my junior year, and SGA for my senior year. I was also very involved with Key Club and tried to go to as many events throughout the years to support my friends. North Penn always felt like my “home away from home,” and ironically it is still that way for me today as an educator.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

I recognized in 9th grade while a student at Pennfield that I really wanted to be a teacher. That year I had the same teacher for both English and Social Studies (dual certified) and she really inspired me that year. I loved her classes and can remember how much she seemed to enjoy what she did every day. My passion for education only continued once I got here to the high school.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

Yes and no. I did imagine myself here but was open to the idea of teaching at any surrounding school district. To say I’m living out a dream is a pretty fair statement. My sisters and parents all still live relatively locally, and North Penn is a big part of all of our stories.

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

I have loved my time here at North Penn. I started my career in 2006 as a building substitute where I learned the ins and outs of classroom management and really gained the confidence I think you need to lead a room of teens. The following school year, I was offered a full-time position, and I also accepted a role of co-advisor of the SGA. My time as a SGA cabinet member while in high school prepared me for that experience. Since I started, I have always taught 10th and 12th grade English. I love my courses and love our department. I am surrounded by so many inspiring people in this building.

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students?

Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life? My advice is always to get involved. This school can feel like a big place, but joining clubs and accepting leadership roles within those activities will make it feel smaller. Being involved will also give you a sense of purpose as you develop and strengthen skills that will stay with you forever. Everyone will tell you high school goes so fast, and while that is true, your time here will always be part of your story. Make it the best you possibly can. You just never know how these years will impact you once you leave. Oh, and always be kind.

Mrs. Jamie Liberio

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

I went through elementary school, middle school, and high school as a North Penn Student. In elementary and middle school, I was involved in chorus, theater, and student council. Here at the high school, I did women’s choir, chamber’s choir, and NPHS Theatre.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

Yes! I had some pretty amazing teachers who really inspired me (shout out to Mr. Romano at Pennfield!). I knew I wanted to help people and have a job where every day was different. I’ve always loved reading, writing, and English class, so it felt like the right decision for me.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

Yes! I went away for college and student taught in different schools in Appalachia. Teaching away from home made me really appreciate the district I grew up in, and I realized how much potential there would be for me as a teacher in the NPSD. I also knew I wanted to be close to my family, so it was really the job I wanted most coming out of college.

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

I’m in my fourth year teaching here, and I truly don’t picture myself doing anything else, anywhere else! I have grown so much as an educator, and know at the same time there is so much more to learn. I feel so lucky to have had such great teachers who I can now go to as colleagues to continue to learn from. They have been so supportive and truly answer every question I bring to them. I think it’s a huge reason I’ve had such a positive experience as a new teacher. Also, my students! They make me laugh every day and they make me a better teacher.

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

My best piece of advice is to find the thing that makes you excited to get up everyday and makes you proud of yourself. There are many things in life we can’t control, but we can control how proud we are of our own actions and efforts. And to treat people with kindness. They will remember it.

Mrs. Elizabeth Weizer

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

I was a very, very shy; very, very quiet; and very, very anxious student. I was super focused on my grades and being academically successful. I’m still shy, quiet, and anxious, but less so. I’ve come to accept that’s just my personality, but in high school, I felt very different from everyone else. Although I loved my teachers and learning, and I was involved in clubs and sports, and I had great friends, I did feel lonely.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

Yes, I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in 7th grade. I had an incredible English teacher that year at Pennbrook who motivated and inspired me. I was blessed with amazing teachers in NPSD from K to 12th grade, along with a mother who was a spectacular teacher and coach, who encouraged me to pursue a career in education.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

No way! When I graduated, I thought, I’m never coming back here! But I am a firm believer in the universe providing. I applied for an opening at the HS on a whim after finishing my first year of teaching in another district. Ultimately, I’m glad I did because I don’t think I would be as happy and fulfilled as I am now—both professionally and personally—if I hadn’t come back to this area.

4. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

Everything will work out. I was just so anxious as a teenager and young adult—just obsessed with what I “should” be doing and what everyone else was doing and how I did or didn’t measure up to those arbitrary expectations and benchmarks. But now that I have the luxury of being 25 years removed from high school, I realize that everything just takes time. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace. Everything is going to be OK.

Mr. Joe Courtney

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

I enjoyed my time as a student at North Penn. As a student I was involved in world languages and my favorite North Penn memories were participating in cultural clubs and going on the Japanese class field trip to the Mitsuwa Marketplace.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

I knew I wanted to be a teacher during my senior year at North Penn. I was part of a work-study program with the former Japanese teacher, Mrs. Coyle.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

When I was in high school I thought about continuing the Japanese program at North Penn but I never thought it would become a reality.

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

I have enjoyed my time as a teacher at North Penn. As a teacher, I love viewing North Penn from a new perspective and I am grateful for all the experiences I have gained.

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

Putting in the work and persevering through hardship will lead to success.

Mrs. Kathryn Grunmeier

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

Wow, my time at NP was so much fun & I have some of the best memories from high school. I was pretty involved in sports, so there was always a big meet or game we were training for and looking forward to, and my teammates were my best friends, so it was always enjoyable & exciting. The football and basketball games were a blast to watch and we had a really involved student “Blue Crew” back in the day that was pretty wild at times, but lots of fun! It made tailgating and the student experience better than any other school around.

One of the absolute best nights here at NPHS was when we had pudding wrestling in the gym. Yes, pudding wrestling!! Imagine the crowded bleachers for the pep rally… and the center of the gym was a rink filled with pudding!!!! It was absolutely hilarious and so much fun to be a part of! I’m still really close with my group of friends from HS and that comes up in conversation! Good times!

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

I think I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in first grade. My first grade teacher at Hatfield, Mrs. Morris, was one of the kindest people. I was really shy and timid as a little kid. She really helped bring me out of my shell and I just absolutely loved going to school and learning early on. She made everything fun and I can still remember telling my mom that I wanted to be a teacher like Mrs. Morris.

Once I went to Pennfield, my PE teachers (Mrs. Wilde & Mrs. Sherry) really had a huge impact on my life at the time. I played sports every season, and they were my coaches as well, and it was always my favorite class and something I looked forward to at school. They had fun with us as middle school kids and I really admired their passion, which helped solidify what I wanted to do as an adult.

I had thought for a bit in high school that I wanted to go into accounting, but I truly knew deep down that I wouldn’t be great at a desk job and I needed to be interacting with people. Looking back, I don’t think I would survive any type of ‘desk’ job.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

ABSOLUTELY, 100%! I graduated from West Chester in the winter and I had landed a long term sub job in Perkiomen Valley School District and was offered a permanent spot, but I knew I always wanted to come “home” to North Penn. I took a risk and turned down PV, but I was fortunate enough to earn a teaching spot in North Penn that September. I was coaching our girls water polo team at the time, and just couldn’t see myself teaching in another district and knew I wanted to teach and coach in the same spot. The only place that made sense to me was North Penn. I taught at Penndale for 9 years, and then moved up to the high school – it’s now my 10th year here at NPHS and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made!

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

My time here at North Penn has been pretty amazing – NP has essentially been my life since I was 5. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet some of my closest friends and have grown as a person tremendously during my adult life. The kids I get to work with every year teach me more about life than I could imagine, and I wouldn’t be the person I am without going through those experiences with them.

My favorite part about being a teacher here is the relationships made with students and really getting to know them for who they are. I’m very fortunate to stay in contact with many former students & athletes of mine and watch them thrive as adults and make their mark in our world. I feel really lucky to have made an impact on kids throughout the years – It’s truly the best compliment when I’m able to get together with groups of former kids and catch up on life and stay a part of their village to cheer them on!

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

Have fun and laugh a little bit each day!! Some people can get so wrapped up into being serious and taking everything so seriously that you become a bundle of stress… There’s definitely a time to be serious and you need to grind and work hard to be successful, but life goes by quickly and tomorrow is never promised, so we all need to have fun, laugh, and enjoy each day!

Mr. Andrew Schmitz

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

Looking back, I really enjoyed my time at NPHS. I played lacrosse while I was a student and was involved in a few clubs. I made some great friends and memories while I was a student. I was able to make friends with people involved in various school activities, such as athletics, theatre, band, powder puff, and much more. These friendships allowed me to participate in, spectate, and support many school events.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

I think I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was in 11th grade. I always had an interest in history and have always had Social Studies teachers that I liked. Many of them served as role models and they seemed to enjoy their work, making it seem like a great career option.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

I did have a goal of coming back to North Penn to both coach and teach, but was not sure if life would lead me back here. I knew that I wanted to coach, and I think that getting involved with coaching Boys Lacrosse and Girls Soccer helped me to get my foot in the door and create professional relationships.

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

Teaching at North Penn has been an overall rewarding experience. I truly enjoy seeing my students each day, learning about their interests, and offering them new ways of thinking about past events and how they impact our lives today. Teaching and coaching at North Penn has also allowed me opportunities to connect with others, form friendships with coworkers, and support students. Thankfully I have been able to build positive relationships with many students, so it is always nice when students stop in to catch up, say hello, or update me about what is going on in their lives.

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

One piece of advice that I would offer to students would be to take risks and try new things. Many people go through life afraid to try something new or take a chance, and I think that can hold people back from potentially great experiences. I think that anyone would rather look back on their life or decisions they’ve made and think “I’m glad I took that chance and learned from it” as opposed to “I wonder what would have happened” or “what if”.

Mr. Casey Clauss

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1. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a student.

My time as a North Penn Knight was a great time, but it happened in a flash. North Penn High School is unique because the average student will only spend 3 years here, where other high schools you spend 4 years.

At the high school, I was super involved with Baseball and Winter Track coached by the beloved Coaches McCreary, Coach Manero, Coach Jones and Coach Fluck! I also spent the bulk of my Senior year over at Penndale Middle School doing career study with Mr. Childs.

There were a few fantastic teachers I remember having here, one being Mr. Misuro! I still have some great friends from NP, all of whom were in my wedding. All of my groomsmen are all friends I went to middle school wth; plus my 2 younger brothers.

2. Did you know while you were in high school that you wanted to be a teacher?

This is a great question, but the short answer is absolutely not. I had every intention of joining the military and following in my mothers steps and joining the Navy. Things took a turn once college scholarships for Baseball started to file in. The Navy was still an option, but while in college, becoming a teacher was added to the list of potential career options. As time went on, I realized that becoming a teacher would be a very rewarding career.

3. Once knowing you would be a teacher, did you know North Penn was where you wanted to be?

Yes. I knew that North Penn was a great place of employment. Originally I wanted to be an elementary teacher, but eventually transitioned to secondary due to it being a better fit for coaching. I wanted to work in North Penn at some point, but when I was applying for teaching jobs it was super competitive and teaching jobs in most districts were few and far between. So, I was grateful to get a job in any district.

4. Tell me about your time at North Penn as a teacher.

Love it! I call it “Little America”, the people are awesome, the diversity is amazing to see, and the opportunities provided here are endless, students just have to take advantage of them.

5. And finally, what is your best piece of advice to give to students? Whether they want to be a teacher or not, what is something you think every person should hear at some point in their life?

Follow your heart, be open minded, networking is very important, and establish a great work ethic! Also, be a kind and patient person! Kindness and patience goes a long way in this tough world.