A new, yet possibly familiar face to returning faculty and students: PDS welcomes back Denise Driscoll, who is now a part of the Upper School History Department. Last year, she taught tenth grade American History and AP Government and Politics as a paternity leave replacement for Dr. Michael Kideckel. Currently, she teaches American History.
Previously, Ms. Driscoll taught at Stuart Country Day School, where she was a history teacher and the Head of the History Department. Before coming to PDS, she had already retired; however, she wanted to continue sharing her love for teaching and connecting with students. She states, “I missed being with students and doing curriculum work and collaborating with colleagues.” Ms. Driscoll strives to get to know each and every one of her students and colleagues. However, she also desires to challenge herself in whatever subject she takes on.
Not only did her love for teaching bring her back, but also the PDS community, in which the students themselves played a role in her decision to return. She mentions, “The students here are wonderful.” Despite having only been a teacher for one semester previously, the community had prompted her to stay and continue teaching here at PDS. She adds on, “… I fell in love with the school and I accepted a position for this year.”
However, while the experience has been extremely rewarding, she has also encountered and overcame some challenges. In particular, technology was something she was not accustomed to using on a day-to-day basis. Technology has become more prominent in how students shape their learning experience. Ms. Driscoll notes, “After an initial struggle of learning the technology, which has never been my forte, I would say that was my biggest struggle [last year] and I believe that I overcame that to the best of my ability.” However, Ms. Driscoll did not let technology get in the way of her teaching capabilities. In fact, she rose to the challenge and adapted to it despite having a rocky start. After spending some time here, she is becoming more confident in her ability to navigate through technology and is looking forward to teaching a full year at PDS. She remarks, “I feel that I have a greater vision because I am with them longer.” Ms. Driscoll hopes to build stronger connections with her students by having a full year to be a part of students’ learning environment.
PDS is fortunate enough to find a teacher who is this passionate about students’ education and is willing to take on any challenge that comes her way!
