Meet the Teachers

Mr. Burke teaches Biology, AP Biology, Zoology, Citizen Science, and Science Denial. He loves biology, birds, hiking, and his job.

If he described his personality in three words he would use happy, content, and eager. Mr. Burke is looking for “students that are eager to learn, whether they like biology are not, students that are willing to take risks and try new things.”

When describing his classroom, C206, Mr. Burke says that it is “cluttered, intriguing, and welcoming” and that “it can be noisy, lots of activity and hopefully a little learning going on. I try to get everybody involved.” Mr. Burke has lots of labs and activities, and hopes that his teaching style is inclusive.

Something else he’d like people to know is that

“I’d almost rather be outside”

Mr. Tesdal teaches English, and is chair of the English department. When asked about his hobbies, Mr. Tesdal says, “I remember hobbies. That was a good time. I have kids now instead.” If Mr. Tesdal had three words to describe his personality, he would use indomitable, cantankerous, and introspective. According to Mr. Tesdal, his classroom is interactive. This is because Mr. Tesdal believes that "in order for students to learn, they have to bring their half to the dynamic...I don't feel that I am repository of information filling an empty vessel...I feel we have to meet halfway" Mr. Tesdal would describe his classroom as efficient, studious, and challenging. Mr. Tesdal is looking for students who "will talk in class, engage with the ideas" and is "more interested in how they connect with the ideas and consider them" than his students’ grammar. 

Mr. MacDonald teaches English (literature) and also coaches Robotics. For his hobbies, he enjoys reading books, playing golf and the piano, and traveling. If Mr. MacDonald had three words to describe his personality, he would use “disciplined, witty, and authentic”. According to Mr. MacDonald,

his classes are discussion-driven and idea-oriented.

Mr. MacDonald would describe his classroom environment as relaxed, focused, and conversational. He is looking for students who enjoy thinking deeply about life, who are committed, hardworking, and not afraid to challenge themselves.

Qi lao shi teaches Chinese II, III, IV, and AP. She likes reading, listening to music, shopping, and dancing. If she described her personality in three words, she’d use nice, outgoing, and helpful. Qi lao shi teaches classes whose students typically stay together through all four years of high school. She believes that it takes time for a class to achieve “the right energy." Oftentimes, she explains, the newest class needs time to learn how “to be nice, and to be supportive with each other." By AP Chinese, she says that the class is like “best friends.” Qi lao shi says that her classroom's ambience is comfortable, supportive, and energetic. Her teaching style is “student-centered, that’s my goal” and she wants to keep her students busy. One thing Qi lao shi values a lot is trusting her students.

Ms. Lavick teaches a variety of classes, from Film and Photography Production and Appreciation, to Animation, Anime and Manga, and AP Psychology, and she runs the NAP club and the Sports Reporter club, and help getting the Well-Being Club (psychology) started (coming attraction). If she had three words to describe her personality, she would use empathy, life-embracing, and quirky. When asked what she likes, Ms. Lavick writes that "Well, I love my work, teaching is the best, and therefore I love photography, filmmaking, drawing and painting, dancing, writing (as you can see), goofing around, gardening, cooking and baking from scratch and all natural!!!; I love hanging with my friends, going for long hikes, and I adore my ferrets, cats, and my husband (and so much more)." Ms. Lavick would describe her classroom as "definitely quirky, safe (so I hope), cluttered (of an absent minded teacher)" and also says that "there is the No Food / No drink (except thermos for water) rule, due to the equipment; But then, it has a few things that a visitor would not expect in a classroom - has to do, with using props for some of my courses and the Nap club (lots of pillows): and some other things, I will not tell (surprise). According to Ms. Lavick, her teaching style is "eclectic and with a sense of whimsy; with a dash of kindness." Teaching is about nurturing the individual that means to listen to the individuals and their needs." Ms. Lavick is looking for students "with interest in what I have to offer ... But I don't look for students, I receive them and then do my very best to be their teacher whom they can learn from (from content to wellbeing)." She believes that "teachers are only older students.... and, sometimes, because we have been there, what we share with our students is meant to help not to criticize ... alas, we all have to figure it out for ourselves!"

When asked 'What do you teach?' Mr. Volk responds,

"I teach students and scalliwags; scholars and scofflaws... Oh, do you mean: What classes? I teach English 9/10, English 11/12, Religion 9&11, and Aug Mod Servant Leadership." He's also the head track and field coach if you couldn't tell by the end. If he had three words to describe his personality, he would use "Impish, Admirable, Lover of Humanity, and Good at Math." When asked what he like,  Mr. Volk says "I like to coach, read, write, and ride my ElliptiGO. I also like to re-watch/binge The Office and Ted Lasso." In regards to his classroom, Mr. Volk remarks that "there is quite a bit to take in and be occupied with if you ever find yourself needing something to look at." If he had three words to describe his classroom, he would use "A veritable Xanadu. If you're curious enough to care, ask Google to translate that from Latin."

When describing his teaching style, he says:"Sometimes I'll start a sentence, and I don't even know where it's going. I just hope I find it along the way. Like an improv conversation. An improversation."-- Michael Scott

When asked what kind of students he is looking for, he replied who are lost or fast runners.

Lastly, when asked what he would like to add at the end of the interview, he said "I would love to add runners, throwers, and jumpers to my T&F team."

Ms. Dupont teaches high school social studies and coaches Mock Trial and middle school volleyball. If she had three words to describe her personality, she would use adventurous, creative, and hard worker. When asked what her hobbies are, Ms. Dupont writes "I have a lot of hobbies! I love to bake, play pickleball, read, hike, and travel." In regards to her classroom, Ms. Dupont expresses that "my classroom is a place to try new things. Students have a safe place to ask questions and explore new topics while learning rigorous content that applies to the world today" and would illustrate her classroom's dynamics as "calm, organized, and full of student-led learning." As for her teaching style, according to Ms. Dupont, "As a teacher I am firm and have high expectations but along with that I have a lot of love for my students and take their growth as learners seriously. I care about my students as people as well as learners and want to see them successful in all areas of their life. I love going to sporting events and supporting my students outside of the classroom." She is looking for students "who are open-minded and willing to put in the effort to learn. I am looking for students who are willing to receive feedback to continually better their work." Something else she would like to add is that "I have taught all over the United States and Internationally and so far St. Mary's is my absolute favorite place to teach. (for real!)"

Ms. Lovett teaches AP Chemistry, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, History of Medicine, and she co-teaches Chemistry and Politics of Drugs and The Science of Happiness. If she had three words to describe her personality, she would use authentic, slightly sarcastic, and jovial. When asked what she likes to do, Ms. Lovett writes "I like to hike, travel and read mystery sleuths." Ms. Lovett's classroom is "controlled chaos that welcomes freedom of expression," and if she could characterize it with three words, she would choose welcoming, focused, and fun. Ms. Lovett's teaching style is "structured, balanced and engaging," and she's looking for students who "appreciate learning and making connections to the outside world." On a last note, she expresses that "I appreciate hard work from my students and enjoy their quirkiness and optimism!"

Ms. Moore teaches "all HS art classes: AP Art, drawing, design, college, painting watercolor, landscape, sculpture, arts and crafts and ceramics. I also taught MS art for years." If she had three words to describe her personality, she would choose curious, gregarious, and creative. When asked what she enjoys doing, Ms. Moore writes "I am a member of Clayfolk, artists who work in clay, I love to ski, I have a large farm garden with flowers and vegetables, and I read a lot, preferring fictions and poetry." According to Ms. Moore, her classroom is "like a garden where the best things grow!" and she would use safe, welcoming, and interesting to illustrate her classroom's feel. Her teaching style is pushy, useful, and loving. The students she's looking for is "anyone - especially students curious about creativity, visual culture or learning new art skills." Ms. Moore adds that "art is good for your Heart" and that "I have been at St. Mary's for decades and I feel younger than when I began teaching. Crazy!"

Guo lao shi teaches Intro to Chinese (7th Grade), Chinese I, and Chinese II. If she had three words to describe her personality, she would use kind, encouraging, and funny. When asked what she enjoys doing, Guo lao shi writes "I love teaching, cooking, and hang out with friends." Guo lao shi's classroom is "inclusive, friendly and a lot of fun," and if she had three words to describe her classroom's dynamics, she would  use engaging, empowering, and effective. In regards to her teaching style, Guo lao shi says "I enjoy crafting my classroom activities to be short and sweet. Various activities can stimulate students' visual, auditory, and physical engagement, allowing them to receive the practice they require in each activity without getting bored. I also prefer to encourage students to grasp concepts through context, using visual aids such as pictures, gestures, graphs, and more. This empowers students to deduce meaning and sentence construction independently. Witnessing the spark of understanding in their eyes during those 'A-ha' moments is truly rewarding. While this approach may take more time than simply providing them with a grammar rule, it results in a deeper understanding and longer retention of the content." For Guo lao shi, "my ideal students don't necessarily have to be the brightest, but rather those who can focus and demonstrate grit."

Coach Thomas teaches PE and Strength & Agility, while also coaching Football (OL/DL). If he had three words to describe his personality, he would use approachable, accountable, and fair. When asked what he likes to do, Coach Thomas writes "I like to fish and spend time with my family and friends." In regards to his teaching style, Coach Thomas says "I try to be honest, fair and encouraging. I want everybody to work hard and enjoy my class" and "I promote kids to give good effort, communicate effectively and be accountable." Although Coach Thomas doesn't look for a specific type of student, he does want them to "give good effort, have a good attitude and to not make excuses." Something else he'd like to add is "I really enjoy working at St. Mary's, the staff and students here are amazing and they make looking forward to everyday very easy."

Mr. Wilcox teaches Geometry and Data Science, while also being the Assistant Archery Coach. He enjoys doing anything outdoors, such as camping, hiking, paddle boarding, fishing and much more. To describe his personality in three words, he chooses adventurous, helpful, and rational. Mr. Wilcox teaches his classes with a collaborative learning style. He believes that “students can learn more by working with their peers discovering concepts and why they work, instead of listening to a static lecture on why and how a concept works.” He looks for students that “come prepared to be engaged, and not just be a passive learner,” and students who are curious, honest, and open to learning. Mr. Wilcox has high expectations for his students, only because he knows they are all capable. He believes that “if you show up and put in the effort, you will succeed!”

Ms. Hunter teaches high school English. If Ms. Hunter characterized her personality in three words, she would use generous, diligent, and creative. When asked what she likes doing, Ms Hunter writes “I enjoy vegetable gardening, mosaic making, reading, hiking, photography, travel, and cooking.” She would describe her teaching style as “student-centered,” elaborating that “I like students to be involved as much as possible, so they do a lot of group work in my classes. I want students to engage with each other over the literature and learn from each other.” Her classroom is stimulating, inclusive, and fair.  I’m regards to her students, Ms. Hunter writes that “I enjoy students who are willing and eager to learn and open their minds to new ideas. What I really want from students is their engagement. This is where learning begins.”

Profe Pulliam teaches Spanish I and Spanish II. If she had three words to describe her personality, she would use caring, organized, and hardworking. When asked what she enjoys doing, Profe Pulliam writes that "I love being outside, working in my garden, traveling, cooking, baking and reading." In regards to her classroom's ambience, Profe Pulliam expresses that "My goal for my classroom is to be a place where everyone feels like they belong. I strive to create a sense of community. I want everyone to feel safe and like their voice is heard." and that "We love to have fun in Spanish! In my opinion, a good class is one where everyone has laughed at least once!" As for her teaching style, Profe Pulliam says “I have high expectations for my students, I want to see them be successful at their personal best level. However, we have a lot of fun in class. I love to joke around and know that when my students feel comfortable and supported they will be more willing to put the work in to be successful.” In her class, “Everyone is welcome in Spanish! It sometimes feels uncomfortable, but the students who are most successful are those that are willing to speak and participate in class.”

Mr. Keating teaches history, business, and middle school programming. If he had three words to describe his personality, he would use friendly, outgoing, and inviting. When asked what he likes to do, Mr. Keating writes that "I like to ride my bike around. I love playing ultimate frisbee and I am getting in shape to play in the annual Turkey Bowl football game in my home town. I really like traveling and reading and hanging out with friends." According to Mr. Keating, his teaching style is "Talkative. I ask a lot of questions." and "I really try to make sure the kids understand the top-level stuff before delving into the details. If they can demonstrate their understanding of the big ideas, I'll be happy." If he had three words to characterize his classroom, he would use easygoing, participatory, and learning-centered. In his classes, Mr. Keating is looking for "People who are willing to learn. If they can—" He also wants to establish that "I really enjoy learning more about the subjects I teach. I love it when students ask questions!"

Mr. Bingham teaches music. If he had three words to describe his personality, he would use silly, thoughtful, and kind. Mr. Bingham enjoys reading, outdoor activities, playing piano, and cooking. In regards to his classroom, Mr. Bingham believes that "Learning music is about trying new things and sharing. To this end, I strive to create a comfortable environment, free from judgment." If he had three words to characterize his classroom, he would use creative, disciplined, and humorous. According to Mr. Bingham, his teaching style is "periods of intense concentration, interspersed with absurdity." He advocates that "everyone is encouraged to take Music classes!" On a last note, he'd like to add that "On most Fridays I host an Open Mic at break. It's kind of turned into a karaoke session, which is great. I also hope that students will share other talents during that time. You could play an instrument, do stand- up, make a skit, juggle, really anything goes."

Zhang (张) lao shi teaches Chinese with Qi lao shi. If she had three words to describe her personality, she would use active, nice, and "a little bit shy." Zhang lao shi likes shopping, dancing, walking, and more. Zhang lao shi would describe her classroom as safe, friendly, and supportive. In regards to the dynamic of her classroom, she writes that "I think learning a second language is not very easy, in my class, I hope every students will not worry about making mistakes. So I want to create a safe, comfortable and interesting classroom environment for my students. In the process, we can learn from each other. This is also a valuable learning experience for me." and "I will try to adapt my teaching style in order to cater for everyone and make the materials as interactive and interesting as possible."

Profe Batey teaches Spanish III, IV, and AP Spanish, and is also the coordinator for the Argentinian exchange. If she had three words to describe her personality, she would use dynamic, genuine, and compassionate. She enjoys yoga, meditation, dancing, spending time with my daughter, friends hanging out, listening to classic music, reading and writing—"I like a lot of things." Profe Batey says her classroom is "collaborative, it's a space where students have choice, and it's challenging because I speak Spanish most of the time and if they don't understand Spanish then it's hard." According to Profe Batey, she is "proficiency-based—I assess students based on what they can do with the language in reading, writing, speaking, and listening." She is looking for "students that are willing to take risks, and not be afraid to make mistakes, students who are motivated to want to learn other languages and value other cultures, that diversity, diverse perspectives, and anyone who wants to learn Spanish, really, because I teach the upper levels and it moves fast, so there's not as much English spoken and so students need to be comfortable in an immersive environment.