Throughout the school year, Ursuline faculty members have the opportunity to “live in the shoes” of a student for a full A and B day. Participating teachers agree that this type of shadowing provides useful and meaningful insight into the student’s typical day.

During their shadow time, faculty members take any tests or quizzes the students have scheduled that day, as well as participate in any assigned activities. Teachers are able to learn about workload, dynamics, and more while also getting the chance to see their peers teach.

Most recently, Computer Science teacher Danny Poellot completed the program after spending two days shadowing Chloe Flabiano ’22.

“I did take a Chemistry test,” laughed Mr. Poellot. “If Dr. Moody gives partial credit, I may have even passed.”

In Ms. Bailey’s English class, he did research on Antigone, The Penelopiad, and Much Ado About Nothing. Ms. Issa’s Arabic class played jeopardy to prepare for an exam.  

Science teacher Matt Lepley, a past shadow program participant, quickly realized through doing homework assignments how hard Ursuline students work and how diligent they must be in order to succeed and meet high expectations.

“I was truly able to glean insight into what our students experience on a daily basis,” he expressed.

Ms. Bailey, another past shadow program participant, learned empathy through the program. To her, it was “eye-opening to see how much Ursuline students accomplish from 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. every day.”

For Mr. Poellot, one memorable part of the experience was learning how different a student’s day was compared to his usual day as a teacher.

His shadow student agreed. She also learned how much her life differs from that of her teachers.

“It was refreshing to share my life and perspective as a student here at Ursuline with someone who does not undergo the same day-to-day life as me,” Chloe shared.

 “It was a good experience just to see their schedule and to realize how they are getting from place to place in a short amount of time,” Mr. Poellot reflected.

Considering this for his future classes, he wants to make sure his students get up and move and have time to pause and regroup before class starts.

 “It’s almost as if the teachers are looking through a lens into our lives and seeing what we undergo each day,” said Chloe. “This gives the teachers a better understanding of our busy lives.”