Ms. Jan Cohn

Q: What subject do you teach?

A: “I teach Wellness.”

Q: How long have you been teaching? 

 A: “19 ½ years, including healthcare pathway for 4 years.”

Q: Besides teaching, have you had any other job? 

A: “I occasionally substitute at Taunton Public Schools, and I was a mobility aid. But, before teaching at all, I was an RN.”

Q: If you didn’t teach wellness, what would you teach?

A: “I would teach Math. I always found it exciting to solve challenging problems.”

Q: Have you taught any other age group than high schoolers?

A: “No. I would definitely prefer high school students over any other age group.”

Q: What is your favorite part of working as a teacher? 

A: “The kids are my favorite part. Hands down, I love working with teenagers. I’d come home, and my heart would be so happy and full. They make everything great.”

Q: What are your future plans?

 A: “After I retire, I want to be there for my children and grandchildren.”

Q: What will you miss the most about being a teacher?

A: “I’ll miss the social aspect of everything. I loved building strong connections with my students.”

Mr. Howie Allen

Q: What subject do you teach?

A: “I am a Physics teacher.  I teach AP Physics and Physical Science.”

Q: How long have you taught this subject?

A: “I have taught Physics for 14 years.”

Q: Have you ever taught different subjects in the past?

A: “In my first year of teaching, I taught Chemistry as well as Physics”.

Q: How long have you worked at NHS?

A: “I have taught at NHS for 13 years.’’

Q: Have you ever taught anywhere else prior to NHS?

A: “Prior to NHS, I taught one year at Scituate High School.”

Q: If you had to choose a different subject to pick, what would it be?

A: “I wouldn’t mind teaching Chemistry again.  If I were qualified, I’d also like to teach English because I love to read”.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a teacher?

A: “I love interacting with students, especially when the lightbulb goes off and they understand a new concept”.

Q: Have you always known you wanted to be a teacher? If not, what did you think you would end up doing?

A: “No, I came to teach late.  I think that my desire to help people was the reason that I became a teacher.”

Q: What do you most look forward to in entering your retirement?

A: ‘‘I’m not sure what I will be doing with my time, but hopefully I will have some grandchildren that I can spoil.’’

Q: What will you miss the most about being a teacher?

A: “I’ll miss being around young people, and the wonderful teachers that I get to work with”. 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started teaching, what would it be?

A: “Always keep working to improve your courses and your relationships with your students”.

Mr. John Casali

 Q: What subject do you teach? 

A: High School Math, which over the years has been Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Statistics, AP Statistics, Computer Fundamentals, Math Foundations

All at different levels: standard level, college-prep, honors, and AP

Q: How long have you taught this subject?

A: I have taught AP Statistics for about 25 years and Algebra 1 for about 30 years.

Q: Have you ever taught different subjects in the past?

A: Mainly math classes with a couple of basic computer classes in the old high school building

Q: How long have you worked at NHS?

A: For just shy of 32 years

Q: Have you ever taught anywhere else prior to NHS?

A: I did my student teaching at Malverne, NY High School in 1993, and I have taught summer school on the Cape

Q: If you had to choose a different subject to pick, what would it be?

A: Earth Science or PE (it looks like fun)

Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a teacher?

A: Interacting with students and helping and witnessing them learn and develop along productive pathways

Q: Have you always known you wanted to be a teacher? If not, what did you think you would end up doing?

A: No, I didn’t always think I would be a teacher. I had different interests and wanted to pursue possibilities in aviation and construction, which I did. But there was always a “slow burn” or calling to become an educator. I’m glad I listened to that quiet, guiding voice and feeling.

Q: What do you most look forward to in entering your retirement?

A: Slowing down. Taking a step off the treadmill and taking a break from the grind.

A: Teaching is a very rewarding profession, but it can be exhausting. We prepare and give everything we have, every day.

A: Also, catching up with family and friends. Helping my own kids find their paths. 

A: Pursuing my hobbies such as fishing, kayaking, shellfishing, beaching, biking, and travelling.

Q: What will you miss the most about being a teacher?

A: Positive interactions with students and collegiality with staff members.

A: The energy level, excitement, and fun. There is always something worthwhile to do.

A: Developing and executing a great lesson.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started teaching, what would it be?

A: Hang in there. 

A: Teaching is a skill that needs to be developed over time and with practice and experiences.

A: It gets easier and less overwhelming, although there is always work to be done.

A: Make friends and develop meaningful relationships.

A: Go out and make the world a better place.