Reflections from the First Year at FSP: Faculty New to FSP in 2025-2026

Pictured above: FSP teachers new in the 2025-2026 school year: (top row) Robbie Harrison, Spanish, Kathryn Amato, 3-4 Lead Teacher, Mary Anne Peacock 1-2 Assistant Teacher, (bottom row) Heather Peters, 3-4 Lead Teacher, Kate Cass, 1-2 Lead Teacher

This June, five faculty members finished up their first year at Friends School: Robbie Harrison, Spanish teacher; Kate Cass, 1-2 Teacher; Mary Anne Peacock, 1-2 Assistant Teacher; Kathryn Amato, 3-4 Teacher; Heather Peters, 3-4 Teacher.

These teachers were part of a New Teacher Cohort that met with Director of Studies, Nell Sears, and met three times: for New Teacher Orientation in August, and in October and February. I met with them each individually to hear their reflections on their experience of the school year and think ahead with them about next year. Here are a few highlights from those conversations; credit for the questions goes to an organization called Leadership+Design.

Each faculty member chose the spot where we would have our meeting. Robbie chose the courtyard: “This is what I look out at from my classroom, and I observe the changing seasons.” Kathryn chose the courtyard as well: “I just like it out here. So much happens out here.” Mary Anne and Kate both chose their 1-2 class’s outdoor forest spot. Heather chose a spot not too far from there that feels like a nest to third and fourth-grade students.

When were you glad to come to work here?

Robbie: Coming on the days after a big event, feeling the residual energy of it – the feeling on the day after the play, or hearing how fifth and sixth-grade students did on their trip.

Kate: So many times. I come to school excited every day. I get even more excited when students are excited: the way our bird study came out of their enthusiasm during our biomimicry unit, watching Visiting Artist’s Week from the inside.

Mary Anne: I always loved a day when we knew we’d be outside and we had a plan, but an open-ended plan. 

Kathryn: Pretty much every day. Maybe especially during Visiting Artists week – it was so buzzing and joyful.

Heather: Literally every day. It has been a year of being in a space that felt consistent and honest, a place that held integrity in a profound way.

What stories do you tell people about this place?

Robbie: I tell them I love the building itself, a really nice place. I tell them how I love all of my coworkers. 

Kate: I talk a lot about meeting for worship – it’s so unique and new to me. I’m in awe of how the community comes together for it in such a busy world. I also talk about the campus, the way the buildings and grounds feel like one and the same – an integral part for the kids who feel like this space is theirs.

Mary Anne: I tell a lot of stories about Friends School camp. Laura has an ability to bring it down to the simple, and that was my introduction to this place. It is hearty here.

Kathryn: I talk a lot about the community feel. I tell stories about the kids – I have such a fun group that I have a lot of good anecdotes.

Heather: I talk a lot about my teaching team, administrative support, and how the things people say happen. I am very happy here. 

What keeps you here?

Robbie: Moving through this year, I feel satisfaction on taking reflections from this year into next year. There’s more sense of belonging.

Kate: It feels like the kind of place for a teacher like myself – the partnerships of the entire 1-2 team, and the ability to pursue what inspires me in the classroom.

Mary Anne: I will always want to be at a Quaker school. The people, kids, families, environment keep me here. The ratio of teachers to students can’t be beat. 

Kathryn: I love how relaxed it is here. My nervous system doesn’t have to be alarm-bell ringing. I can take care of myself on a break. This is a positive, kind place. Everyone cares about each other for real.

Heather: Everything. I can show up as myself, in fierce and fun and friendly ways with the students. This place is here on purpose, with real care and thought. Every time I’ve asked a question, a group of people has thought clearly about the why. We put so much energy into the students.