in Education helping me become a good teacher. What AFS does for kids in terms of being nurturing is something they do for adults, too. It’s part of the ethos.” When Eddie left AFS, it was to become program director of a Philadelphia nonprofit called Steppingstone Scholars, which works with low-income students and places them in college prep schools, including AFS. The program identifies talented students in public schools who are underserved and looking for stronger opportunities.
Eddie Mensah, AFSA Former AFS Faculty, Head of Middle School Charlotte Preparatory School Charlotte, NC Eddie Mensah’s new professional home, at Charlotte Preparatory School, where he has been Head of Middle School since last July, reminds him in many ways of his teaching days at Abington Friends School. A small K-8 independent school in Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte Prep is a close knit community, says Eddie. “It’s similar to AFS in that respect. There’s a real strong familial feel to it and it’s also very dynamic and vibrant. The relationship between the adults and students is very cordial and the kids feel very comfortable talking to teachers in the hallways.” Eddie, 40, taught Middle School math at AFS (1996-2001) and also coached JV and Varsity soccer. “AFS is where I cut my teeth. I was fresh from college, but there was a
great culture of mentoring young teachers and that allowed me to hone my craft, to be a better teacher, decision maker and connector with kids. Bruce Brownell P’97, P’02 [AFSA], Ray Schorle [AFSA], those guys had so much experience but were also willing to learn from less experienced folks.” People took care of each other, says Eddie, recalling how Upper School Math Teacher Carol Palmer nurtured his teaching talent. “Carol, oh my goodness! She was so patient with me, she encouraged me, she pushed me. She really was very instrumental in
Brought into the program in 4th grade, the students attend summer school for two years and Steppingstone staff then help to identify one of several independent schools that might be a good fit and work with them through the application process. The program continues with Saturday classes during the school year as the students move through middle and upper school. “The ability is there,” says Eddie, “but there’s a content gap. We help bridge that gap. It’s the kind of work that feeds your soul.” After a decade of running summer school for middle school age kids every summer, Eddie felt he knew how to run a middle school program. “Here’s the thing with middle school kids,” he says. “It’s the period of time when the most change is happening and it’s the kind of change they themselves haven’t figured out. If you’re going to help them with that process you have to be ready for all the moods. In the morning they’re happy, at lunch they’re sad. They hate you and then they love you again. You also have to keep them interested and motivated. You have to be really flexible.” Ready for the next challenge after Steppingstone, Eddie decided to “try something more traditional in a school setting.” At Charlotte Prep he found just what he was looking for in terms of school size, structure and culture. “Plus, the weather is better!”
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