New Faces at Bedford

Kathryn Bingman
Paraprofessional

Where did you teach in the past?
Bronx, NY and Harrison, NY
How many years have you been teaching?
13 years
Why did you choose to teach at Bedford?
The school shares my values of how students learn best.
What do you like about teaching at Bedford?
I have loved how supportive the staff is of each other, and of course, I love my students 🙂
What do you like to do other than teaching at Bedford?
Playing with my two-year old daughter, going to the beach in the summer, watching mindless reality TV.

 

Suzanna Pollak
Language Arts
Where did you teach in the past?
Eastern Middle School (6 years) + All Saints (10 years)
How many years have you been teaching?
16 years
Why did you choose to teach at Bedford?
I was so excited to be given the opportunity to work in a middle school that prioritizes a true team environment – in every way.
What do you like about teaching at Bedford?
There is so much to love about teaching at Bedford. One of my favorite parts about teaching here is that, in addition to providing an exemplary academic environment, we also prioritize ensuring students’ overall health and wellbeing.
What do you like to do other than teaching at Bedford?
Some of my favorite activities include reading, running, and taking my dog to the dog park.

 

Christine Evans
Music
Where did you teach in the past?
Fairfield Prep (2008-2018) and Notre Dame West Haven (2018-2022)
How many years have you been teaching?
15 years
Why did you choose to teach at Bedford?
It’s a great a community with passionate teachers, supportive administration, and incredible students
What do you like about teaching at Bedford?
It’s an opportunity to learn and grow with like-minded colleagues.
What do you like to do other than teaching at Bedford?
Yoga, rock climbing, hiking, performing with opera companies/funk and jazz groups, hanging with my family, and playing with my puppy dog!

 

Charles Knights
Science
Where did you teach in the past?
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Vocational High School
How many years have you been teaching?
1 1/2 years
Why did you choose to teach at Bedford?
The outstanding support from faculty and staff from the very beginning
What do you like about teaching at Bedford?
The kids are enthusiastic and motivated about learning, my immediate support from the people on my team is out of this world outstanding, and the administration is supportive and continuously communicative.
What do you like to do other than teaching at Bedford?
I love the outdoors and sports. I fish year round in areas all over Connecticut and I don’t go a day without thinking about it. I play hockey, baseball, and golf. I really enjoying hanging out with friends. I love marine science and everything that has to do with the ocean and the Long Island Sound.

 

Tracy Murphy
Math
Where did you teach in the past?
I taught in Milford Public Schools for 4 years. Before that I spent 22 years teaching in Arizona.
How many years have you been teaching?
This is my 27th year teaching.
Why did you choose to teach at Bedford?
I chose Bedford Middle School, because it was an opportunity to work at an amazing school teaching what I love. My husband also works here and we used to work at the same school in Arizona, so this gave us a chance to work together again.
What do you like about teaching at Bedford?
I love the energy of the staff! Everyone is kind, hardworking and willing to help one another at any given moment. I love the students’ willingness to learn, and how they persevere even when content is challenging. The administration is wonderful.
What do you like to do other than teaching at Bedford?
Outside of school, I enjoy yoga, live music, my pug Raisin, cooking, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

 

Jennifer Sacks
Language Arts
Where did you teach in the past?
For 15 years in Darien, but before that I lived and taught in New Hampshire
How many years have you been teaching?
This is my 30th year!
Why did you choose to teach at Bedford?
I love the way teams have a homebase/pod. I liked the people. And I like a challenge.
What do you like about teaching at Bedford?
I like my students!