New faculty arrived today, and they are an impressive
bunch. The nine new teachers have over 111
years teaching experience among them including one who was the K-5 Math
Specialist for Durham Public Schools and one who last served as the Curriculum
Director at Voyager Academy. Two of our
teachers are ethnically diverse though all are female. (The new band teacher at the middle school is
male, however.)
Most importantly to me is hearing the teachers talk about
why they selected Duke School. Almost
all mentioned our philosophy and the fact that teachers are free to teach to
each student and not to a standardized test.
Many talked about having the time to teach rather than just give
tests. All were excited about our
project based curriculum and being able to help provide authentic experiences
to our students.
One mentioned how she was “amazed” about the great teaching
and learning she saw going on during her day visit. Another mentioned how she wanted to come here
to have productive and on-going conversations about student learning with
engaged and wise colleagues. Yet a third
talked about how she wanted to be in a school that put student learning
first. It was wonderful to know these
experienced teachers wanted to be at Duke School for what we are and how we
teach. To teach here is a choice they
embraced, and we are excited they are here.
