Faculty Spotlight: Jim St. Pierre
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- Faculty Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight: Jim St. Pierre
Where did you go to college? What degrees do you have?
Oh, I was a lost soul when I was younger, so I've been to quite a few colleges, but I earned my undergraduate degree in English from UMass Lowell. I went to USM to get certified to teach, then to Middlebury College for my master's degree in English literature.
How many years have you worked at Fryeburg Academy?
This is my 34th year teaching, but I was here for a year as an intern, too.
What subjects have you taught?
Almost every grade and level of English, and biology for a few years.
What other roles have you had or do you have here?
I’ve been the English department chair. I’ve been part of the teachers' union for a long time, including serving as president for about 15 years. I have also helped to negotiate teacher contracts. I've coached soccer and track, and I was on a dorm team for about four years.
Fun fact?
I've taken courses at something like seven colleges. I've lived in five regions of the country, and I have been to over 30 airports.
What background would you like to share?
I grew up in a city tucked between Boston and Providence, and I knew that I didn't want to live in a city as an adult. My father was from Maine originally. We vacationed here throughout my youth, so I naturally migrated up here. I got the position at FA and met my wife here. She was a Spanish teacher. Both my boys graduated from FA, so my life and my family are deeply ingrained here.
Why did you become a teacher?
I was a Bio major until my junior year in college, but then I worked at a summer camp and really enjoyed it. Part of it was being outdoors and having the summer, but I felt like I was pretty good at working with kids. I loved writing and reading, so teaching English just made sense.
Do you have a favorite class to teach?
Sophomore honors. I just love the content and the students, and now I enjoy AP. Most rewarding, though, is working with the reticent students. If you can get those kids to appreciate school, that's a win.
How would students describe you as a teacher?
I like to think they'd say that I am firm and that I give them the support they need.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment in class over the years?
Anytime a class asks if they can read the whole period — that is the best day of the year.
Is there anything from your experience as a student that has influenced how you teach?
Yes. I was bright enough to know all the loopholes, know how to get by without doing the work or being held accountable. So unfortunately for my students, I know those tricks - and I make sure that they don't use them.
What advice do you have for students?
If you just read the material, you're going to do well.