Mr. Wetherell, an English teacher who has been at Friends Academy for over a decade, will be leaving after this spring. He has taught English across multiple grades over the course of his time here, and we will be sad to see him leave. I spoke with him about some of the things he will miss at Friends, including his favorite moments and lessons.

Q: How long have you been at Friends Academy?

A: Eleven years.

Q: Why did you originally come to Friends Academy? 

A: After teaching at the University of Michigan, I had a one year fellowship at St. Albans School in Washington D.C. and I came to love independent schools. Friends Academy is the only independent school I’ve worked at since. 

Q: Do you have any lessons, ideas, or experiences that you will take with you to your next job? If so, what are they?

A: Friends Academy has given me leadership opportunities that have enabled me to better understand how schools work as institutions and how the many parts of a school connect to and rely upon each other. 

Q: If applicable, how has your experience at Friends Academy changed or developed the way you teach? 

A: I’ve become much more student-centered over the years. I have come to better understand the writing process from the student’s perspective. 

Q: What has been your favorite lesson to teach? Why? 

A: My favorite book to teach is Sula, because it hits both classical, even mythical ideas of good and evil, and more contemporary ideas of identity and power. 

Q: What was one of the most rewarding or exciting moments of your time here?

A: I’d say when we finally got to remove our masks after Covid and feel a sense of normalcy and community again. 

Q: How have students at Friends Academy influenced either your teaching techniques or your own ideas? 

A: Students here are good at asking for what they need, and that gave me many insights into the student experience in my class and beyond. 

Q: What were some of your favorite non-teaching moments at Friends Academy?

A: The senior citizen prom is one of my favorite things this school does. Coaching basketball my first couple of years really helped me connect with students as I entered the community. 

Q: Where will you be going next?

A: Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. It is just outside of Philadelphia. 

Q: Who will you miss?

A: My eleventh graders. American Literature is always a class I love to teach. 

Q: What are some of the things you will miss most about Friends Academy?

A: I think Friends Academy is a school that begins with yes. We want to try new things and constantly improve. We really believe in the Quaker idea of continuing revelation. Also, I’ll miss the lunches.