Kasja Medak-Art Teacher
A substitute in the district for three years, Kasja Medak has now officially joined SDA’s staff as an art teacher. Medak taught at Carmel Valley Middle School for a year before joining the Academy, where she feels “really fortunate to teach a passion.” After moving from Sweden to California when she was four, Medak has spent much time around Santa Barbara and San Diego. Though she didn’t attend school here, she would have preferred to go to SDA because she feels that here, “ [the students] can express individuality without having to conform.” In the classroom, Medak encourages students to live up to their full potential, and hopes to “create an environment where we can all learn together.”
If she could teach one other subject, it would be computer programming.
Her proudest moment as a teacher would be when she received an email from a shy student she had previously taught saying how much he’d gotten out of the class, and that she’d inspired him to enter in a backpack-design contest, where he ended up winning second place
Melissa Barry-English 9 and Speech and Debate teacher
She says she was “the worst high school student,” but Melissa Barry is very fond of school now – as SDA’s new English 9 and Speech and Debate teacher. Although public speaking is reportedly the number one fear in the country, Barry enjoys it very much, and attributes her passion for it to the fact that her father was a radio host whose voice was heard by many everyday. Barry discovered her “passion for mentoring and sharing knowledge” after attending college in Pennsylvania, then working at the NBC station in Philadelphia. She then taught high school journalism for seven years in New Jersey and in Sanger, CA before moving to San Diego two months ago. Although her favorite subjects as a student were journalism, band, and Speech and Debate, it was her experience as an assistant Speech and Debate coach that inspired her to teach the subject. She says she “loves being at SDA… it is so much into the students’ voices,” and she hopes to make her roots in San Diego, and at the Academy.
Her least favorite teacher was her German teacher, Herr Ball (“Herr” means “sir” or “Mr” in German), who made her fear the language.
The most embarrassing moment as a teacher would be when she wore heels to school on a snowy day, and her students hid her shoes so that she had to walk half a mile to her car in the snow, while barefoot.
Heather Temple-English Teacher
SDA might not be familiar with new teacher Heather Temple quite yet, but she definitely remembers the Academy, formerly known as San Dieguito High School, from when she attended the school as a student. The new English 10 and yearbook teacher previously taught English for nine years at Oak Crest Middle School , where she also went to school, before making the switch to SDA.
A self-proclaimed “English nerd” with her Master’s degree in English and a love for literature and writing, Temple “always had the personality to help others” and knew that she wanted to teach. She would like her students to “try to be engaged and want to learn” of their own accord, and for them to realize that they have to be involved rather than just “sit back and receive an A.” Although SDA has changed a lot, and the atmosphere seems “more friendly,” Temple says “it feels natural to be back.”
Her favorite teacher was physics teacher George Stimson, because he taught by telling stories with some kind of lesson at the end.
The most frustrating teacher didn’t let the class go outside when it snowed during school.
Her most embarrassing moment would be when she slid on a book and fell on her back with her head in one of the baskets under a desk chair.
Duncan Brown-counselor
Technically, Duncan Brown isn’t new to SDA. In fact, he was a counselor here nine years ago. But after working at Diegueño Middle School and Oak Crest Middle School, he’s back at the Academy, reprising his role as counselor for students with last names H through P.
As a student, Brown says he was more “social than academic.” Everyone he knew, including himself, would have laughed at the thought of him working at a school, let alone becoming a counselor. But after moving from Connecticut to New Hampshire, he felt he was able to “get away from that identity” and give himself a “fresh start.”
At the small liberal arts school he attended in New Hampshire, Brown was inspired by his college advisor and psychology teacher. Their influence lead him to a position as an intern counselor at a k-12 school, where he ended up working for 12 years. Now, he says he’s “glad to be back,” and hopes that students can come to him knowing they can be “straightforward and honest.” His door is always open (during school hours on weekdays).
If he could have any other position, it would be as a psychology teacher or PALS director.
His favorite moments are when former students come back, or keep in touch, and he gets to see how they are or what they’re currently doing.
Holly Richerd-French Teacher
Holly Richerd grew up in Claremont, CA, but after living, teaching, and meeting her husband in France, she’s ready to bring her love for education and her experiences abroad to SDA as a new French teacher. Richerd hopes to help each of her students “gain a higher appreciation for the French language.”
She’s drawing on 17 years of work at various international, charter, and traditional schools, including the University of Grenoble in France. Richerd uses French on a daily basis, in school and in her home, and encourages students to use it as much as possible in order to build their abilities. She “[loves] being a part of making communication happen,” and wants to share with others “the cultural and linguistic treasures that are found in the world in which we live.”
As a student she took part in concert choir, drama/theater, and tall flags.
If she could teach another class, it would be speech and communications.
Jamie Duck-World History Teacher
Holly Richerd grew up in Claremont, CA, but after living, teaching, and meeting her husband in France, she’s ready to bring her love for education and her experiences abroad to SDA as a new French teacher. Richerd hopes to help each of her students “gain a higher appreciation for the French language.”
She’s drawing on 17 years of work at various international, charter, and traditional schools, including the University of Grenoble in France. Richerd uses French on a daily basis, in school and in her home, and encourages students to use it as much as possible in order to build their abilities. She “[loves] being a part of making communication happen,” and wants to share with others “the cultural and linguistic treasures that are found in the world in which we live.”
As a student she took part in concert choir, drama/theater, and tall flags.
If she could teach another class, it would be speech and communications.