According to The Morgan Staff Directory there are currently 85 faculty members here at The Morgan School. Shockingly 12 of these 85 are Morgan alumni, creating an impressive 14% – all returning to their high school to teach current students. From former athletes to theater kids, these twelve traded their student IDs for teacher badges. While the location may not be the same, the connection remains, as teachers recall the sense of community in Clinton.
“I had a really good experience as a student at Morgan, and actually, it was the psychology and sociology classes that I took here that made me want to pursue psychology. Which is what I have an undergrad in, and ultimately social work. So I just found it to be a really cool opportunity to have the ability to come back,” said Maureen Tranquilli, a social worker here at Morgan. Tranquilli graduated from Morgan in 1987.
When asked about the biggest change from their time as students to now, Tranquilli shared, “the biggest change is, when I was here, there was no internet, there were no phones. That’s probably the biggest thing is technology, changing how we do things, and how we even behave in a sense.” Tranquilli stated that people are less communicative. Less likely to reach out and talk to others, or ask for help.
Karla Rivadeneira spent 3 years at the old Morgan, and graduated in the class of 2017. That being the first class to graduate in the new school. Rivadeneira attended Uconn and came back to Morgan. “When I saw a position was open, I applied for it immediately and it’s just been very rewarding.”
Rivadeneira shared how she likes the new “behind the scenes” feel of switching from student to teacher. While she also found the switch weird due to several of her co-workers being past teachers of hers. She recalls example of this such as both Mr and Mrs. Luther.
When asked about his transition with his past teachers turned coworkers, John Madura, technology teacher and class of 1991, remembers one interaction.“I remember calling Mr. Samet, Mr. Samet, and he’s like, no, it’s Alan.” Madura found the switch intimidating at first but finds the faculty very inclusive, making the switch easy.
The transition from student to teacher is unique for all, however similarities are shared. “I’m about to complete my 4th [year], it feels normal, because in the beginning, all my former teachers are now my colleagues and just them knowing me as a student. Now I’ve become more of a coworker,” said Rivadeneira.
“I think because our town’s so small, when you live in a small town, seeing people and having good experiences, continuity, of what makes a town great, that really comes through in small towns. I think the people matter the most,” said Madura.
Having around 450 students, Morgan is smaller than other surrounding towns. Towns such as Madison and Guilford, having around 750 and 1,000 students respectively.
The saying “home is where the heart is” is taken in strides by many. These alums turned faculty show how with a strong sense of community, anyone can feel comfortable.
“It shows the power of education, the power of wanting to get back, it’s important. A lot of people want to leave their hometown or want to go elsewhere, but it’s also important to go back to your roots and see it in a different light” said Rivadeneira.
