DeMatha Catholic High School has welcomed a group of dedicated “Year 1” teachers this year, all bringing their unique experiences, backgrounds, and aspirations to the classroom. Each new teacher has already made a mark on the DeMatha community, navigating the dual challenges of teaching new students while immersing themselves in the school’s long-standing traditions.
“Year 1 teachers have done a great job juggling all the challenges of being a new face in a community like DeMatha,” said Mr. Haller, who leads the new faculty orientation every August. “There’s a lot of history, and they’re learning that alongside a whole new group of students and faculty.” These first-year teachers face the universal pressures of school life, keeping up with assignments, grading papers, planning engaging lessons, all while striving to create a welcoming classroom environment.
One of these new teachers, Mr. Jordan Gill, has focused on fostering a supportive, open space where students feel comfortable to express themselves. “I try to make it a safe space for open discussions, where students don’t feel like I’m judging them. I want the class to be chill, where we can start and end with a conversation that everyone enjoys.” His approach prioritizes connecting with students, hoping to make learning enjoyable and personal.
This attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed by students. Senior Marvin Kearney shared, “My first impression was that he was going to be a chill teacher who would understand us since he’s an alum himself.” Marvin also said, “I feel like I’ll always leave his class having learned something, whether it’s from the lesson or about him as a person.”
What motivates Mr. Gill? “The students, honestly,” he says. “They’re striving to do better, and some days, if I’m having a bad day, they make it better.”
Having once walked the same halls, his return to DeMatha is a full-circle journey inspired by a desire to give back. He graduated from DeMatha in 2015 and after a previous career in security services took a traumatic turn, he sought a safer, more meaningful path. “I was scrolling through DeMatha’s page and saw the internship application. I applied because of the love I have for DeMatha.”
This enthusiasm for giving back has also helped him integrate into the staff community. While he acknowledges a generational gap with some colleagues, he sees it as an opportunity to learn from their wisdom. “I think I’m bringing new energy here. And I love it at DeMatha. It’s a great space for young men to grow into faith-filled gentlemen and scholars.”
In just a few months, DeMatha’s Year 1 teachers are proving themselves to be an essential part of the school community, balancing the weight of tradition with the excitement of fresh perspectives. Their passion and dedication are not only shaping students’ academic journeys but also inspiring a shared sense of purpose in a school they’re quickly learning to call home.
