Teachers’ Transformative Abilities: Class of 2026 Perspective
by Simone Cohen ’27
One of the SHC’s best aspects is its incredible faculty and their ability to connect with students, foster education, exploration and service. As the Class of 2026 begins to bid farewell to SHC and its community, I took the time to interview senior Julian Coleman ’26, on a teacher he believes embodies the SHC spirit and has enriched his time here before he heads off to UCLA to study World Arts and Cultures; quickly, he mentioned Hannah Reese. Reese, who is an instructor of English and Social Studies, is a much beloved member of the faculty.
Both Coleman and Ms. Reese agreed on the weight that healthy teacher relationships hold. She believes that everything is better and more meaningful when students know their teachers care about them. Why? Some may ask: In Ms.Reese’s opinion, it’s much easier to be motivated and to care when you know the person leading the class wants you to succeed and is invested in you as a person. Julian similarly agreed. “The quality of teachers made a huge difference in my high school experience,” Coleman said. Ms. Reese led him to be a more dedicated, curious and honest person. “Her work ethic and organization are infectious and always made me ready and willing to learn.” The connection between students and teachers not only motivates students in their educational journey but also teachers in their careers. Ms.Reese said, “Some of my most effective teaching strategies have come from suggestions students gave me. We are better because of our combined wisdom.” She brings this same mentality to her life outside of the classroom as well.
When I asked Ms.Reese what the most transformative part of teaching was, she responded like a true Lassalian-Vincentian educator: “Nothing makes me feel more successful than when I hear that students felt safe or empowered or loved in 502 [her classroom]. It’s fulfilling and humbling to know that my work contributes positively to their time here at SHC.” Education is not only about quantitative knowledge, but also about satiating a student’s hunger to learn and a teacher’s desire to educate them in whatever way best fits their needs. Coleman definitely remembers the kind and approachable atmosphere Ms. Reese created in her classroom, especially when she used a clip from Shrek to help her AP Lang students learn about rhetorical situations.
Oftentimes, the best memories in classrooms have nothing to do with the material itself; rather, of the relationships that supplement students’ understanding of it. Since Ms.Reese has been teaching the Class of 2026 for four years, she couldn’t pick one memory: she picked a few, instead. She remembers, “The special handshake Tyja Starks ’26 and I do as a greeting to each other; then, there was the time that Kirk Darling had me send photos to Ms. Nastari to show her that he was in dress code; Braden Conte and our year-long game of hallway rock-paper-scissors,” It is not one specific memory for Ms.Reese. “It’s the million tiny interactions that have permanently embedded them in my heart,” she said.
After taking a trip down memory lane and exploring the connections built in a classroom, we spoke about parting words. With Julian as spokesperson, the seniors wanted to thank Ms. Reese for being able to put up with so many high schoolers and continue to put so much effort into teaching and cultivating a great classroom environment. The kindness she shows all her students made her an indispensable member of the community and an example of the power of a great teacher. “Seniors, I hope during your time here, you had a chance to interact with at least one teacher as incredible as Ms.Reese–they can completely upend and reshape your perception of school.” I leave you with Ms.Reese’s parting words to the Class of 2026: “ I hope that you will go out into the world and really experience it. I hope you discover causes you care about and that you work to make the world better. I hope you create friendships that bring them joy, comfort, and love. I hope you take advantage of every opportunity, and remember that we are cheering for you at 1055 Ellis: your home.”
