After discovering an open position in the mathematics department, and longing to be closer connected with relatives, new math teacher Mr. Michael DeAngelo moved to Delaware County from Harrisburg to continue his career in teaching high school mathematics.

“I didn’t have too many friends and family there,” he said. “Strath Haven has a very good reputation and had an opening, so it was a perfect fit to come to this area and join Strath Haven.”

DeAngelo’s last position was in Mechanicsburg High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he taught high school math and was also a softball coach.

Here, DeAngelo currently teaches Honors Geometry and CP Trigonometry and also plans to have an Honors Algebra II class next semester.

“Next semester, I’m actually teaching algebra two, which I haven’t taught in a few years, so just getting back into a new course provides some sort of excitement actually,” he said. “As far as in the classroom, just being able to teach that again with some great colleagues– I’ll actually be teaching it with the one I share a room with– Mrs. Winkowski– so it’ll be cool to be able to collaborate.”

Since the first day at Haven, he has felt welcomed by many of his new colleagues.

“I have a great mentor teacher, and the whole math department has lent me all different resources,” he said. “Everybody, whether it’s eating lunch, or at a professional development day, has been more than more than welcoming and very helpful.”

While there are differences, DeAngelo notes that the student culture at Haven is similar to his previous school, which has made transitioning easier.

“Any differences are all very minor. High school students, regardless of where you are, are often the same, despite small differences that do exist,” he said.

DeAngelo looks forward to the rest of the school year teaching math and has some goals as he continues to settle into the community.

“I would like to at some point get involved a little more into extracurriculars, activities, athletics, and actually help the school other than just inside the classroom,” he said. “That would be kind of my goal now that I am a little more comfortable and know some people.”

“I think most high school students have the majority of their fun and a lot of their memories from, so that’s definitely something that I want to be involved with.”