With the 2020-2021 school year wrapping up, choir director Jeremy Pease and English and communications teacher Juliet Suess will be leaving Harvard-Westlake (HW), and Eli Lieberman will be moving to the Upper School.
Mr. Pease
Q: What was your favorite part of Harvard Westlake?
A: “Easily the most wonderful aspect of working at Harvard Westlake is the community of people – the best students and colleagues in the world. I’ve learned so much from the collective passion, professionalism, and kindness at school every day.”
Q: Does a specific event or memory stand out to you?
A: “I just think about all the times students have visited the choir room to hang out, play piano, and chat. The hallways of Bing are brought to life every day with so many musicians, actors, and dancers, both during class and free periods. It’s magic!”
Q: Is there any way students can remain in contact with you?
A: “Students should feel free to email me at [email protected].”
Mx. Suess
Q: What was your favorite part of Harvard Westlake?
A: “The students are my favorite part. I just love the consistent engagement and willingness to learn and participate in sometimes silly activities with gusto.”
Q: Does a specific event or memory stand out to you?
A: “I worked really hard to make it [Of Mice and Men] a fun unit, and I was laying these breadcrumbs for the students to follow. When I got to the house at the end of the breadcrumb trail, I had students stand up out of their chairs and yell, “oooh!” They were so excited by literature, these little breadcrumbs and figuring out the whole thing at the end that I was just really moved and motivated.”
Q: Is there any way students can remain in contact with you?
A: “Students can email me can email me at [email protected].”
Mr. Lieberman
Q: What was your favorite part of Harvard Westlake?
A: “My favorite part of working here is the students. I have worked at many schools and I always love the students, but I find that the Harvard-Westlake student body is particularly hard-working and respectful. It makes a big difference!”
Q: Does a specific event or memory stand out to you?
A: “After my first month teaching here, a student came to me in tears. She had heard someone say something about a test we were about to have and was so concerned that in hearing that, she had broken the Honor Code. We had a great conversation about the spirit of the Honor Code and that the fact that she cared so much about it is what really makes the difference. It was the start of my understanding of what sets Harvard-Westlake apart.”
Q: Is there any way students can remain in contact with you?
A: “I’m so excited that I’ll have the opportunity to see (and maybe even teach) most of the students I’ve been working with over the last two years!”
