Ask any GFS alumni what they still hold close from their school days and they undoubtedly recall the relationship they had—and often continue to have—with a teacher. A common refrain is, “I still think about their class all the time…” This same sentiment is echoed every year by the senior class at their final Meeting for Worship. 

Germantown Friends faculty are not only experts in their academic fields, but also in a range of other fields, fueling the rich milieu they create to foster innovative teaching and learning. They’re as committed to each student as they are to the community as a whole. As the world evolves, they do as well, by continuing their education and bringing new ideas back to the school. 

Each year, faculty and school leadership nominate teachers who have consistently exemplified creativity and ingenuity in teaching, mentorship, and collaboration, and care and stewardship of our community for the annual Faculty Leadership Fund awards. 

Established in 2011 by David West ’49 and Susan Quillen West ’49, with significant gifts from many others, the Faculty Leadership Fund recognizes this group of faculty members by providing supplemental salary support.

Reflections from the 2024-25 Faculty Leadership Fund recipients:

Katie Aument, Lower School Math Coordinator
“One pivotal ‘aha’ moment was realizing the importance of stepping  back and allowing my tenacious seven- and eight-year-old students the space and time to work through challenging math tasks together, without intervening and potentially stifling their thinking. There’s joy in watching a child experiment with different approaches, refine their thinking through collaboration with peers, and ultimately arrive at an accurate and creative solution.” 

Brian Bersh, Music Department Head
“I am grateful to GFS for supporting a structure in which we can both trust our teachers to develop their own curriculum and see them for the experts they are, while also providing professional development, coaching, and collaborative learning with colleagues to support continual revelation in the service of student learning and personal growth.” 

Nancy Webster ’36 Mentorship Fund Award Recipient: Every year, one faculty member receives the Nancy Webster ’36 Mentorship Award. Created in 2012 in memory of Nancy Landenberger Webster ’36 by her husband, Maurice Webster ’35, and their children Becky Webster McKinnon ’64 and Stephen Webster ’61, the fund supports stipends for teachers who mentor other faculty members. 

Erin Funck, Middle School Learning Specialist, Eighth Grade Advisor
“Working at GFS means having a team of colleagues who are passionate about their content area, and are endlessly curious about their students. It's a privilege to be in a role that truly gets to follow this curiosity every day to consider how we can improve the student experience.”  

Tim Jones, Second Grade Teacher
“GFS gives its teachers space to try new things and bring their personal interests into their teaching. I have time each day to incorporate important social-emotional learning into the curriculum, which creates opportunities to build authentic relationships with my students. I enjoy teaching at a school where I know that each of my colleagues is searching for, and lifting up, the Light in each child.”

Gregor Kelsey, Middle School Teacher, Seventh Grade Dean
“Teaching at GFS has allowed me to be a part of a collaborative, reflective, and dedicated team of faculty members. Our colleagues all know that Middle School is a pivotal point in our students’ development, and we work together to meet them where they are and guide them through it.”

Liz Meyer, Early Childhood Teacher
“I continue to be inspired by the faculty and staff at our school. The collegial environment at GFS helps us all be our best and feel supported. When we work together, the students benefit from a wealth of knowledge.”

Allegra Millan, Early Childhood Teacher
“I sometimes joke that teachers are actors; we are on stage, working to capture our students' attention and interest, always breaking through the fourth wall to connect with each of them, and inviting them to be a part of the process. These daily ‘performances’ are one of my favorite parts of being a teacher.” 

Sakina Parks, Program Manager, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia
“The relationship between Breakthrough and GFS is unique in nature. Over the past few years, a strong culture of oneness and partnership has thrived and has played an important role in the continued progression and success of our program.”

AJ Tvarok, Upper School Advisor, Technical Director
“GFS values continuing education both in and out of the classroom. In the past three years, GFS has supported me in receiving my Master of Arts - Arts Administration degree, which has been a wonderful addition to my classroom and work within the theatre department.”