By: Spencer Davimos ’22
Mr. Andrew Schwartz has been a member of the Pine Crest Upper School Science Department since 2007. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Schwartz had not considered a career in education until serving as a teacher’s aid as a graduate student. Now, after 20 years of teaching, Mr. Schwartz can’t imagine doing anything else!
I sat down with Mr. Schwartz to learn more about his teaching career and what he loves about being an educator at Pine Crest.
Spencer Davimos ’22 (SD): Did you always want to be an educator? Did you have a career doing something different before you started teaching?
Andrew Schwartz (AS): I never really thought about teaching until I spent time as a teacher’s aid in graduate school teaching a zoology lab. I was struck with how rewarding it was to help students learn the biological concepts I found so interesting. After three years of doing research for my master's degree, I realized I didn't have it in me for another four years of field and lab work to get my doctoral degree. When I moved to South Florida, I needed a job and took a position teaching seventh grade science. This was quite an adjustment and much different than teaching college students. I found this experience very challenging, and immediately I knew that if I was going to continue my teaching career, it needed to be with older, more independent students.
SD: What brought you to Pine Crest and how long have you been teaching here?
AS: After my first teaching job, I moved to another local school where I taught high school biology. I stayed there for four years honing my craft and gaining valuable experience in the classroom. During that time, I was working at Pine Crest Summer Camp waiting for an opportunity to join the Pine Crest faculty. That opportunity came in 2007 and I jumped at it. The rest is history.
SD: Have you always enjoyed the sciences? What drew you to teaching biology as opposed to the other sciences?
AS: It has always been biology for me. Going back as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with the natural world. In my elementary school yearbook, I wrote that I wanted to be an underwater shark scientist. I never thought about teaching biology but I knew that biology had to be part of my life. I entered college as a pre-veterinary student but quickly realized that medicine wasn't for me. I enjoyed learning and doing research, but I just wasn't into medicine. I minored in chemistry and after graduating from college, I thought about working in a lab. I ultimately went to graduate school to earn a masters degree in biology.
SD: What do you love about science and biology in particular?
AS: Science, especially biology, is amazing! Learning about how the universe works (physics, chemistry, biology) fascinates me. The quest for knowledge is never-ending; answers to questions only beget more questions. There is so much still to discover about the natural world and how organisms function, and I love that I get to be part of this discovery.
SD: What do you enjoy most about teaching high school students?
AS: High school students are the perfect blend of child and adult. Pine Crest Upper School students, in particular, are well-read, well-traveled, and quite interesting. You can have an intelligent conversation with them about everything from sports and current affairs to genetic engineering and astronomy.
SD: What has been one of the highlights of teaching at Pine Crest?
AS: I can't pinpoint one specific highlight, but working at Pine Crest has given me the freedom to grow as an educator and scientist that I'm sure I wouldn't have had at another school. We have so much autonomy in the classroom, support from administration and parents, and almost unlimited access to resources. Coupling that with smart, dedicated colleagues makes coming to work such a rewarding process. So many people are miserable in their jobs, hate getting up in the morning, and are just going through the motions. Since I started teaching at Pine Crest, I've never felt that way, and I'm so thankful for that.
SD: What are your hobbies beyond teaching in the classroom?
AS: I like going to the gym, riding my bike, and running. Fitness and health are very important to me. I love fantasy football and all things Philadelphia. I enjoy cooking and reading “nerdy” science books.
SD: What would students be surprised to learn about you?
AS: I wrestled and did gymnastics as a kid (through high school) and can probably still do a couple tricks if my old body would let me.
SD: Do you sponsor any clubs at Pine Crest? What do you like about working with students in this capacity?
AS: I was asked this year to sponsor the Middle Eastern Heritage Club. Not sure how I fit in, but I am happy to help in any way I can. I was also the sophomore class sponsor for years. As I said previously, our students are great, and being able to interact with them in different capacities (club sponsor, coach, etc.) helps to build strong relationships that are important to them and to me.
SD: What is the most gratifying part about being a teacher? What has been your proudest moment?
AS: The most gratifying part about being a teacher is knowing that you are contributing something positive to society. Seeing the wonderful things our students accomplish in college and beyond and knowing that you've had a part in it, even if it was a very minor part, is extremely fulfilling.
Upper School Science Instructors Megan O'Brien, Andrew Schwartz, and Michelle Santarelli ’89
SD: Have you become close to any particular colleagues? How have they inspired you?
AS: The teachers in the science department are some of the longest tenured. Some of them I've been working with for 15 years. They are all so talented and bring something different to the table. Their excitement and joy of teaching motivates me to be a better teacher. The teacher I work most closely with is Upper School biology teacher Mrs. Michelle (Smith) Santarelli ’89. We have similar teaching styles, interests, and overall teaching philosophies. My success as a teacher and the strength of the AP Biology curriculum is in large part because of the working relationship I have with her. My bestie in the world is Upper School environmental science teacher Ms. Megan O'Brien!
SD: What advice would you give to a new faculty member joining Pine Crest?
AS: Don't be afraid to ask for help. I always tell new teachers that Pine Crest is a different beast. Students have high expectations, and there is a lot of pressure to be successful. Once the school year begins, it moves quickly and everybody gets very busy and caught up in their own curriculum. The faculty and administration here are great and are always happy to give of themselves.