After Ms. Sunsan Conway, an AP Literature and Pop Music teacher, retired last year, the English department needed not just one but four new teachers. One of the hires was Ms. Caitlin Nell, a 9th and 12th-grade English Teacher.
From a young age, she aspired to become a teacher, particularly an English teacher, because of her passion for helping others and her love for the English language. Her mother served as her inspiration, igniting her desire and guiding her journey toward becoming an educator.
After Ms. Sunsan Conway, an AP Literature and Pop Music teacher, retired last year, the English department needed not just one but four new teachers. One of the hires was Ms. Caitlin Nell, a 9th and 12th-grade English Teacher.
From a young age, she aspired to become a teacher, particularly an English teacher, because of her passion for helping others and her love for the English language. Her mother served as her inspiration, igniting her desire and guiding her journey toward becoming an educator.
“My mom is actually a teacher, so I always saw how she loved her career,” Ms. Nell said. “She would always come home and talk about her students. And so, I always knew that teaching was something that I wanted to do too, seeing how she loved her profession.”
Having graduated from SUNY Cortland prior to joining the RHHS community, Ms. Nell felt apprehensive about entering a new school environment and taking on the responsibilities of a new teacher; nevertheless, she described that “everyone was so welcoming, and [she] instantly felt a sense of community here at our school.” She appreciates her English department for helping her understand the schedule. With their support and the new curriculum, she could adjust to the flow at RHHS.
Richmond Hill High School’s newest teacher is dedicated to allowing students to grow and “encouraging students to be the best version of themselves.” She takes the time to support students in reaching their full potential. For those who are struggling, she engages in one-on-one conversations to identify the issues they face and work together to uncover the root problems. She firmly believes “talking to students, and having that one-on-one with the student to figure out exactly what they’re struggling with,” is much more beneficial for everyone involved.
Ms. Nell wants to encourage students and teachers alike to enrich the school community. “I definitely see that this school is big on community, and the school’s always having events,” Ms. Nell shared. “So for everyone, teachers too, to just get involved with the school and make the most of your high school experience.”
“My mom is actually a teacher, so I always saw how she loved her career,” Ms. Nell said. “She would always come home and talk about her students. And so, I always knew that teaching was something that I wanted to do too, seeing how she loved her profession.”
Having graduated from SUNY Cortland prior to joining the RHHS community, Ms. Nell felt apprehensive about entering a new school environment and taking on the responsibilities of a new teacher; nevertheless, she described that “everyone was so welcoming, and [she] instantly felt a sense of community here at our school.” She appreciates her English department for helping her understand the schedule. With their support and the new curriculum, she could adjust to the flow at RHHS.
Richmond Hill High School’s newest teacher is dedicated to allowing students to grow and “encouraging students to be the best version of themselves.” She takes the time to support students in reaching their full potential. For those who are struggling, she engages in one-on-one conversations to identify the issues they face and work together to uncover the root problems. She firmly believes “talking to students, and having that one-on-one with the student to figure out exactly what they’re struggling with,” is much more beneficial for everyone involved.
Ms. Nell wants to encourage students and teachers alike to enrich the school community. “I definitely see that this school is big on community, and the school’s always having events,” Ms. Nell shared. “So for everyone, teachers too, to just get involved with the school and make the most of your high school experience.”