Lula Konner, ‘22

Each year, the Bardvark publishes one or multiple “Teacher Features,” in which student writers sit down with new faculty members and ask them questions about themselves, their lives, and their impressions of BHSEC. It allows all of us to get to know these new teachers a bit better. This year, BHSEC has welcomed five new faculty members, and the Bardvark is continuing the “Teacher Feature” tradition, but things are working a little differently than they have in the past. As a result of the remote learning conditions we have been constricted to, I wasn’t able to sit down and talk with these new faculty members face-to-face. Instead, I spoke with three of them -- Dr. Delgado, Dr. Cheng and Dr. Padavic-Callaghan -- via email exchange. Despite the obvious constraints, our conversations proved to be very interesting and lively. 

Dr. Padavic-Callaghan (she/her/hers) is a ninth grade physics teacher at BHSEC this year.

What brought you to BHSEC?

After six years of working as a researcher and teaching college students, I wanted to focus on teaching more and teaching more fundamental material. I am very excited to have a chance to bring physics to younger students and help them build foundations for future careers in STEM or just offer a new avenue for their curiosity.

What has your experience at BHSEC been like so far?

Really positive! I have been welcomed very warmly by the rest of the faculty and the students I have had a chance to interact with so far, and all the students have been really impressive and engaged. This has clearly been a very different beginning to a school year than any I have experienced before, but through it all, getting to know the BHSEC community has made me a little more convinced that we'll make this all work in one way or another.

What got you interested in the subject you teach?

I took my first physics class in the 7th grade and was absolutely amazed by the idea that mathematical equations could convey something meaningful about the real, physical world. I guess I just never got over that so here I am, many years later, with multiple physics degrees and looking to pass on the sense of wonder to my students. My PhD training only convinced me more that I was completely right to be amazed - physics is so complex and broad!

How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

I've had a chance to teach fairly early in college and over the years, since, I came to realize that this is a way in which I can do something good for other people while also challenging myself to keep learning and growing. It's a hard job, but a really energizing and interesting one.

What are some things you like to do outside of teaching?

I am a freelance science and non-fiction writer, a long distance runner, a yoga enthusiast and an obsessive vegan cook and baker.

Anything else about yourself or your life that you think is relevant:

I used to teach an incredibly fun class on physics and art and would love to put together some interdisciplinary art projects at BHSEC as well.

 

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Dr. Cheng (he/him/his) is a ninth grade Physics teacher at BHSEC this year.

What brought you to BHSEC?

What ultimately brought me to BHSEC was the community (amongst staff and students) that exists here.  Even though I was interviewed over Zoom, I was able to see how close the teachers, the staff and the students were with each other as there were more than half a dozen individuals at each interview.  I believe a strong community is important as it can help students grow as a whole person and help them learn to be contributing members of society.  

What has your experience at BHSEC been like so far?

Despite all the confusion and chaos of this very unique year, my experience at BHSEC has been amazing.  I have been amazed by all the work that was done by the teachers and staff to ensure that BHSEC is ready for all students.  I have also been amazed by all the students and their effort and dedication to make the best of the situation to learn from home.  

What got you interested in the subject you teach?

I am currently teaching Physics at BHSEC alongside Dr. Hale and Dr. Padavic Callaghan.  I've been interested in science since the 4th grade, when my science teacher (at the time) instilled a love and appreciation for the subject. I remember being fascinated by all the animals and the natural habitats that were in the room.  In addition, I really appreciated that I had the opportunity to develop responsibility by taking care of the different animals, running our school's recycling program (before it was required by law) and planting our school garden.  Since then, I've had many great teachers and mentors that continue to foster my appreciation and love for the subject and it is something that I hope to do for students at BHSEC.

How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

In the research lab that I was working in at the time, I would always have the radio on and would listen to the news each afternoon.  As much as I love doing science research, I remember that there were days that after hearing some upsetting news, I wished that I was doing something else that made a more immediate impact on the world.  I soon realized that the news that affected me the most was often about education and children.  Towards the end of my graduate research studies, I had an opportunity to give teaching a try by working as a STEM educator with various high school students from the South Seattle area for a summer.  It was one of the best summers that I ever had as I loved the whole experience of watching them become fascinated by science and seeing them grow curious about the world.  Most of all, I just really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them.  That convinced me to join the Teach for America program and that was that.   

What are some things you like to do outside of teaching?

Given that teaching provides me with nourishment for the mind, I tend to do things that nourish my body and soul (to balance myself out).  To nourish my body, I love weight lifting, swimming, running and playing basketball.  During quarantine, I have been learning how to do my typical workouts with elastic bands and it has been a great alternative to the gym.  To nourish my soul, I love listening to radio to find new tunes and love attending live shows.  In addition, I really love food and miss eating out.  However, I have been watching a lot of food shows (i.e. the Chef Show, Ugly Delicious, the Great British Baking Show and Sam the Cooking Guy on YouTube) and that has inspired me to cook more at home and I've been enjoying the (often messy and burnt) process.

 

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Mr. Delgado (he/him/his) is a math teacher at BHSEC this year. 

What brought you to BHSEC?

I had met Dr. Reich some years ago at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and on several occasions, we had exchanged our ideas about mathematics, generally, and math education, specifically.  Fast-forward, about 2 years after we both left La Guardia and she told me about this school (BHSEC) and how she thought it would be a good fit. I checked the school’s website and found that indeed the mission and vision of the school spoke to me, so I applied.

What has your experience at BHSEC been like so far?

It hasn’t even been three weeks since I started at Bard and so far, I’ve met a very passionate, dedicated, and caring set of individuals.

What got you interested in the subject you teach?

Its aesthetics: while I appreciate and find mildly amusing the usefulness of mathematics, it is the beauty and harmony of the ideas without regard to their “real-world” application that keeps me interested.

How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

I did not know it, and have been fortunate to have had many different jobs throughout my life.  I feel that my diverse employment history has been an asset to my teaching.

What are some things you like to do outside of teaching?

Meditation, hiking, and most recently learning to play the guitar.

Anything else about yourself or your life that you think is relevant:

As a result of my experiences with meditation I find the exploration of consciousness fascinating.