One of the most powerful aspects of the academic program at Proctor is the passion each faculty member brings to their subject. Whether it is seeing students come to life through the study of Economics, US History, Globalization, or European History, members of the History Department utilize their own interests and passions to fuel the design of their courses. Through profiling each of Proctor’s academic and support staff departments this year, we learn that all of the adults that make up the Proctor community have multiple layers to their lives. Read more about the History Department in this week’s community profile!
Geoff Sahs
Years at Proctor
7 Years
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
I get to see my son every day since he is a student here!
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
I focused on science when I was in high school and studied history at Harvard. I started teaching economics later in my career so I would probably take Ben Bartoldus' Econ class. When he first came to Proctor we worked on that class together and he has since done a great job with it!
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
Although we only require eight terms of history, we have many students who choose to take many more, sometimes even doubling up on history classes. It is so gratifying to see so many students interested in the Social Sciences.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
I am not sure there is much about my personality and opinions that is hidden haha! I love playing guitar and building amplifiers.
Gregor Makechnie
Years at Proctor
26 Years
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
Interacting with young adults and expanding their perspective during a formative period of time in their lives.
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
Ocean Classroom
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
Our willingness to embrace a wide variety of personalities and characters. The kindness students extend to on another.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
Not so hidden as my diminutive stature and fondness for baking cookies makes it hard to hide the reality that I am actually a Keebler Elf.
Kyle Connolly
Years at Proctor
9 Years
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
The people we have here, the faculty and the students create such a wonderful atmosphere. I genuinely enjoy coming in each day because the people around me care about each other and they show it every day.
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
Mountain, I think spending time in a small team, traveling around, learning about people all around the US would be unreal.
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
Time and again, our students show that they care. Our community makes space for people to be themselves, we have kids here who have such a wide range of interests and personalities and it seems that everyone gets pulled in when they find their people on campus.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
I was one of the leads in a high school play senior year
Ben Bartoldus
Years at Proctor
5 Years
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
The students here at Proctor are amazing! They make classroom fun, as they're engaged, communicative, and hard working.
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
I would love to do Ocean Classroom. I think it would be interesting to throw a cohort of teaching faculty on a boat for a term-- talk about professional development.
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
This experience of students displaying resilience, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to building meaningful relationships and growing each day fills me with pride for the student community here at Proctor.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
Great question, Scott. Hmmmm I dunked on you when I was a Jr. at Proctor in a 3v2v1 transition drill. Unfortunately for me, I think you probably lit me up from 3pt territory a time or two, so I think we're even... I swear I'll drop it if you let it go public. Think about it, we're on the other side of our careers, you have a bum hip, I have a bum knee, and we still beat the students in their own game. Truce?
Marc Flaherty
Years at Proctor
3 Years
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
I love teaching history at this school with a group of colleagues that care deeply about the content and developing students' into critical thinkers that question the world around them.
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
I would go on Proctor en Segovia. So much history! The Moorish invasion, an era of peaceful existence between Muslims, Jews, and Christians, Spanish culture. What's not to love?
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
I'm proud to live and work in this community because it's one that focuses on all facets of people's identity. It's about school, learning and academics but it's also about exploring different experiences and expanding one's identity. The focus is making people in this community well-rounded and not just a "one trick pony"
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
I lived in rural Ethiopia
Kate Piecenza
Years at Proctor
3 Years
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
I like the you have the autonomy to teach in a variety of ways to be conducive to many different types of learners. I can do typical assignments that involve reading and writing, but also create assignments that teach kids about history while using various skills to get there.
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
I would like to go to Costa Rica and take Culture and Conflict
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
I am proud that I am part of a community that cares about the whole human in terms of its educational model. The real life experiences that students are able to get while attending Proctor and the support that is given to students to help them develop into good people is a rewarding feeling as a faculty member here. I also appreciate the active nature of our community.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
I like to surf!
Brian Didier
Years at Proctor
2 Years
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
In the History Department, we're given some flexibility about what we get to teach. I get to teach topics that I love.
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
Ocean Classroom!
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
A really committed group of colleagues who give so much time and energy to making this a great learning community.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
My wife says the Indian food I cook is better than restaurants.
Amy Mathison
Years at Proctor
1st
What do you love most about teaching/working at Proctor?
I love all the programs and exciting events.
If you could take part in one of Proctor's Off-Campus Programs classes at Proctor, what would it be?
I think I’d do European Classroom abroad and learn how to build a boat on campus.
What makes you proud of being a part of the Proctor community/of our students?
I’m proud to be part of a community where everyone has such love and respect for this unique school.
What is one fun fact or hidden talent that you have?
I was in some local (to Concord) commercials when I was a kid.
Read more Community Profiles Here!
- Academics
- Faculty/Staff