In her first few years at North Penn High School, Mrs. Susan Kavalow-Huie along with her colleagues liked to have some fun. One year, they rented an air compressor, filled a swarm of balloons, and packed JIm Finnemeyer’s (the Director of Student Activities) office with them as an April Fool’s Day prank. Those were the good old days for Kavalow-Huie.
Mrs. Kavalow-Huie has worked at North Penn for 30 years. She has taught a variety of courses including Honors World Cultures, AP and Honors Psychology, American History, and topics in American Life. Along with teaching, she was the advisor for SGA and the International Friendship Club. In the beginning of her career, Kavalow-Huie loved the high academic standards and the true love for learning that students possessed.
“About twenty years ago, this district was known as one of the strongest in the area. The administration and staff were deeply committed to mentoring new teachers, fostering a culture of high academic standards and professionalism. Other districts often visited to learn from NP’s successes, and teachers were continually encouraged to grow in their practice. In my opinion, students received an education comparable to many private schools in the greater Philadelphia area,” Kavalow-Huie stated.
However, as the years went on, Kavalow-Huie began to recognize a change in these things that she looked for in North Penn and its students.
“Over time, the district’s focus has shifted. There is a greater emphasis on caring for students’ well-being and ensuring they feel supported; however, there seems to be a lessening focus on academic rigor and problem-solving skills. Policies have grown more flexible in response to concerns from students and parents, sometimes at the expense of maintaining consistent academic expectations,” Kavalow-Huie explained.
“The current approach tends to prioritize students’ emotional comfort and grade outcomes, which can sometimes lead to a disconnect between the grades students receive and their actual mastery of the material, which ironically causes more stress for students. This shift in policy is the reason why I and other teachers are retiring early, even though it means taking a financial penalty for not meeting the minimum pension requirements. This is a concern considering Pennsylvania and the nation’s growing teacher shortage,” Kavalow-Huie added.
Although she is concerned for the state of education, Kavalow-Huie still will miss North Penn, however she will definitely not miss her blaring 5:00 AM alarm.
“I’ll miss my colleagues. Also, my students who work hard and truly care about what they learn and not just grades,” Kavalow-Huie shared.
Kavalow-Huie will certainly have no trouble filling here days in retirement. She has constructed her own online business which will officially open this summer.
“My online shop, Velvet Teacup Interiors, will sell antique furniture pieces that I custom reupholster, along with curated antiques, and handmade textile items for the home,” Kavalow-Huie said.
Along with her new business, Kavalow-Huie is looking forward to spending more time with her family, pursuing her interests, and traveling the world.
