Meet the Newest Teachers at EHS

As Edgemont High School welcomed a new class of seventh graders to campus this fall, we also welcomed quite a few new teachers. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to ask five of them some questions about themselves, teaching, and Edgemont. So, without further ado, here are the newest teachers at EHS!

Valerie Froehlich (Math)

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I was a math major in college but did not consider teaching until about two years after I graduated. On evenings and weekends, I started teaching SAT prep courses and really enjoyed working with teenagers. So, I decided to become a math teacher.

What do you like most about teaching?

I love interacting with different students and seeing their growth and progress over the course of a year.

What do you like most about Edgemont?

So far, the students, faculty, and staff have been very friendly and welcoming!

What do you want your students to know about you?

I have two daughters who are in college now, so I understand (as a parent) the social and academic challenges of the high school years.

What do you like most about the subject you teach?

I love math because it is a universal language and it makes sense! I also love the problem-solving nature of math.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love visiting US National Parks with my family. If my count is correct, we have been to 12 so far.

Emma Nolan (Special Education)

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I knew I wanted to work with people with disabilities from a young age. I spent a lot of time volunteering at programs for people with disabilities when I was in high school and college. During college, I worked as a math tutor and learned that I loved helping people learn and get over hurdles they thought they never could.

What do you like most about teaching?

I enjoy the relationships I make with my students and helping them grow their confidence in the classroom.

What do you like most about Edgemont?

The community is centered around students and their success.

What is something you want your students to know about you?

I want my students to know that I will always be here to support them, now and in the future.

What do you like most about the subject you teach?

What I like most about teaching math is creating helpful tools for students to use to be independent in their learning.

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I have recently learned to play golf.

Lily Ringler (English)

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I have been teaching and tutoring since I was in high school, but I didn't know that I wanted to become a public school teacher until I was in my late 20s. Originally, I thought that I wanted to complete a Ph.D. in English literature. I am extremely happy with my choice--I love teaching and know it is the perfect profession for me.

What do you like most about teaching?

Teaching is extremely academically challenging, and I love that challenge! In order to teach a subject effectively, you need to have a deep understanding of the subject matter. I also love getting to know my students and hearing their insights on the texts we read.

What do you like most about Edgemont?

Edgemont is such a beautiful place (both literally and figuratively)! Even having been here such a short time, I can tell that Edgemont's community of educators, students, parents, and administrators is extremely supportive and respectful. It is an excellent space for students to explore their intellectual curiosities.

What is something you want your students to know about you?

I would like my students to know that I see them as whole people, not just students of English. While I very much care about your performance in English class, I care about your mental and physical health more.

What do you like most about the subject you teach?

When I was younger, I gravitated toward English because I loved to read and write. I mostly thought of English as a subject that dealt with works of fiction. While I still love reading and writing fiction, my understanding of English has expanded to encompass more nontraditional "texts" (films, works of art, podcasts, etc.). English is a broad subject that can be adapted to the interests and needs of students and teachers.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have driven across the country four times. If you have never done this, I highly suggest it! It gives you a feel for the vastness of America that is otherwise very difficult to understand.

Christopher Giordano (Math)

Did you always want to be a teacher?

At first, I wasn't sure. It was always something I thought about, but when I went to college I was actually an accounting major. Halfway through my freshman year, I decided it was not for me and my calling was to be a teacher, so I transferred to Manhattan College, changed my major, and the rest is history. I ended up doing my student teaching at Rye High School and got hired there right after I graduated.

What do you like most about teaching?

I had a couple of teachers in high school that really inspired me to be a better person, so the thing I like most about teaching is being able to inspire the next generation of students to become better people.

What do you like most about Edgemont?

The thing I like the most about Edgemont is that all of my classes are in different buildings so I get a lot of steps in during the day racing between the buildings.

What is something you want your students to know about you?

Something I want my students to know about me is that I am a die-hard Mets fan. LGM!

What do you like most about the subject you teach?

The thing I like most about math is that there is a definitive answer and no space for uncertainty.

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that you can point to any country on a blank map and I can tell you what country it is.

James Ko (Math)

Did you always want to be a teacher?

When I was younger, there were so many things that appealed to me that I couldn’t choose! I wanted to be a producer/songwriter, writer, YouTuber, etc. I fell in love with teaching after I graduated from my undergraduate studies. I feel incredibly fortunate that teaching provides many opportunities for me to be creative.

What do you like most about teaching?

I enjoy watching students show off their ingenuity and seeing them get excited when they apply concepts from class in different ways.

What do you like most about Edgemont?

The community! My experience with students and with faculty at Edgemont has been overwhelmingly positive. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.

What is something you want your students to know about you?

I am here to support you and help you be your best self. If you ever feel overwhelmed in class, reach out and we will work together to find what works for you.

What do you like most about the subject you teach?

I feel that math is closer to an art than a science. The artist creates with paint and a brush. The musician creates with phrases and a cadence. The mathematician creates with axioms and theorems. Like the arts, mathematics has its own beauty and its own harmonies.

What is a fun fact about you?

I used to rap in high school.