Most important among the many things I learned from my brilliant teachers and peers at Roeper were values. Roeper called on us to engage with the world as curious, critical, and uncompromisingly compassionate citizens. These values are as important now as they were when the school was founded. That's why as a faculty member, I feel so excited to carry on the holistic and humanistic traditions of our school every day, and to share them with new generations of Roeper students. - Ben Shepard '03, Current M/US Teacher

Most days, I start school one period late—Roeper’s flexibility allows me to prioritize my health. I usually begin with chemistry, which I love for its hands-on experiments and group projects. Then, I head to Educational Philosophy, a new English course where we’re collaboratively creating a project to support the success of future Roeper high schoolers. At lunch, depending on the day, I either lead Roeper Helping Hands—the philanthropy group I founded to support local charities—help organize Spirit Week, or attend a UMatter meeting. In the afternoon, I’m a teaching assistant for a geometry class, helping with grading and classroom organization. Then I go to Comparative Government. I often spend my free block afterward discussing current events with my teacher. After school, I head straight to either volleyball or soccer practice. I love how Roeper supports diverse learning—through hands-on work, dialogue and debate, leadership opportunities, and the flexibility to shape a well-rounded high school experience. - Jayden Hertzberg '26

Reaching out to Roeper was the best thing we could have done for our daughter. From teachers who are uniquely able to go with the flow when it comes to creating preschool-appropriate curricula of upper elementary mathematical concepts, to a community of parents who are armed with recommendations about niche topics such as where to find quality toddler-sized safety goggles for kitchen table chemistry. Roeper has been an amazing experience for our entire family. Our daughter literally runs into the school every day, because she cannot wait to get back to work on whatever project she’s been building. And we are able to drop her off every day secure in the knowledge that her teachers are giving her the space to learn through play that is so important at her age. Roeper is supporting not only her development as a citizen of the world, but our own skills as parents of a Gifted child. This is only our second year at this school, and I can truly say we have found our home. -Roeper Parent, Lisa Zebarah-Shears

Coming to Roeper as a young teacher, I had a lot to learn—but I found a supportive community that helped me grow. From Mariann Hoag, I learned that teaching here means wearing many hats and responding to students' needs in the moment. Annemarie emphasized the importance of focusing on the whole child—emotional and social health mattered just as much as academics. Mentors like Jean Timar taught me to really listen to students and adapt accordingly, while Pat Vance showed me the value of building trust with families beyond school hours. Working with the 6th grade team brought collaboration, laughter, and deep support. But my greatest teachers were often the students themselves—suggesting classes, shaping curriculum, and sharing their passions. Roeper became a place where I, like our students, could explore, make mistakes, and grow. It also helped us raise our own children, David ’08 and Amanda ’00—and even led me to my Sweet Baboo. - Linda Pence, Alum Parent and Retired Roeper Teacher

The world needs Roeper now more than ever—its philosophy, its culture, its community. We need people prepared to lead, question, recognize our shared humanity and connection to the natural world, and fight for justice. We need empowered, self-aware, lifelong learners shaped by a growth model that challenges and strengthens through struggle. In a time when fear and division threaten us, Roeper offers the foundation to build resilient individuals and healthy communities. Roeper has never been perfect, but I’m deeply proud of the students, staff, parents, and alumni who’ve grown within its walls and gone on to make a difference. Now is the time for all of us to give—our resources, time, energy, and wisdom—to support future Roeperians on their journey to grow and help others do the same. - Emery Pence, Alum Parent and Retired Roeper Teacher

14 years after starting at Roeper, and my child still loves coming to school everyday. In the early years, his teachers helped nurture  his curious mind while addressing the asynchronous socioemotional needs. In the later years, he truly appreciates having teachers who care, and really want him to become his best self. -Roeper Parent, Annie Yamamoto