Sean Walsh, an English teacher at Malden High School, has been promoted to Humanities Director. Walsh initially “applied for the job and [interviewed] with a committee of teachers and administrators in the district.” As the new Humanities Director, Walsh will “help organize, direct and implement [English Language Arts], [Social Studies], World Language and Arts curriculums across the district.”
Regarding Walsh’s classes, he is no longer a full time teacher. However, he is going to continue to teach his AP Research class, as he is currently the only teacher certified to teach the course in the school. Despite his job change, “[he thinks] it is important for courses to be taught by new people.” Walsh added that he hopes the school can “train a new teacher next year,” to teach the AP course.
Walsh is still unsure whether or not he will be working in the school next year or the years to follow. Although, he expressed that he “[does] love Malden and [hopes] to keep contributing in whatever position best serves the district and [himself].”
What stook out to Walsh about this position was the fact that it was “one in which [he] could help serve and learn and grow as a professional and as a person.” He expressed that “it is a humbling job,” further elaborating that after teaching for 16 years, “this [new position] felt like an extension of some of the work that [he] was doing.”
In the letter that Walsh submitted when he first applied for the position, “[he] spoke about how all Humanities program should serve to support and encourage student voice.” He added that, regardless of the subject “students […] deserve a curriculum that is rigorous and engaging.”
During his time serving as Humanities Director, Walsh will strive “to listen, learn, as well as hear the vision and concerns of others.” Walsh also mentioned that he hopes to “begin to create structures to have conversations around building equity and working towards a humanities curriculum that reflects that commitment to student expression.”
Jennifer Clapp, English teacher and co-director of Play Pro, stated that “Walsh is very knowledgeable and thoughtful as a educator.” She further explained that “he is a good listener and he always puts the students’ best interests first.”
Clapp expressed that “[Walsh’s] change of position affected Play Production significantly, as he is an outstanding director and has a wonderful vision for the stage.”She explained that “he made every effort to fully participate in finishing up our play for Drama Festival, giving up nights and weekends and time with his family.” Clapp said that she can “unequivocally state that [they] would not have been nearly as successful without his efforts.”
From now on, Clapp will be accompanied by Ms. McCarthy, a substitute teacher ,both taking full responsibility for the third and final show of the year presented by Malden High School’s Play Production. McCarthy has taken over all of Walsh’s classes, not including his AP Research class.
Clapp explained that if Walsh continues to serve as the Humanities Director, the school will need to hire another teacher with “significant theater experience to ensure that the excellence of our drama program continues.” She expressed that “[Walsh] has built up [the drama program] into one of the best in the state,” and added that they “need to ensure [that] that legacy continues.”
Walsh “was excited about the opportunity to serve in this role.” He explained that the role of Humanities Director is “a big job and can seem overwhelming,” but he expressed that he feel motivated and encouraged by “the support of teachers and administrators who give sage advice and help anchor [him] in serving the district mission.”
Walsh supports and believes “in the district, its mission, and its students.” He added that “[he] wanted to have a larger role in that work.”
