After an extensive search for a new Upper School Biology Teacher, Friends Select School has welcomed Sean Kelch to its faculty. Sean brings over three years of laboratory experience at Perelman School of Medicine, as well as a strong passion for making science education accessible and exciting to all his students.
Currently teaching Biology and Genetics, Sean, a Bucks County native, was drawn to Friends Select because of its interdisciplinary approach. “Coming from a laboratory, I was interested in teaching at a school that sort of embodies that, like an interdisciplinary sort of spirit,” he explained.
Sean enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for biology with his students. “I like how many levels there are to it, how I still feel like I know basically nothing about biology,” he said, “And then it’s really fun to get to share the parts of it that I do know while also knowing I will never reach the end of it.”
In terms of his teaching style, Sean emphasized telling the story of biology rather than exclusively focusing on memorization. “I really want people to be along more for the ride and be more of like a tour guide for the subject rather than just getting people to read the book.”
As one of the younger faculty members, Sean wants students to know he is here for them. “I am most interested in students knowing I am there for them as both an educator in the field of biology, but also as a person who can help navigate these years and who’s been through it relatively recently,” said Sean. “I think I would like people to know that they can come to me, whether it’s a big thing or a concept that they are not getting, or just wanting to chat and catch up a bit.”
Outside of the classroom, Sean enjoys being outdoors and playing soccer. He is also looking forward to getting more involved in the community. He plans to go to a basketball game as well as the school musical.
