Through our Faculty/Staff Spotlight series, we invite our community members to get to know Gulliver Prep teachers and staff members across every division. Our most recent spotlight features Samantha Fezza, Middle School Science Faculty. Read on to discover why she was drawn to teaching science, the last book she read, and more.
How long have you been at Gulliver? What is one core memory from your time here?
This is my fourth year at Gulliver and one core memory I have is the first Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony in 2021. It was the first large gathering after Covid. It was a perfect beautiful ceremony out on the field at the Upper School. It was so nice to have all the eighth graders together for that special moment.
What is one thing people may not know about you?
Most people don’t know that I went to a high school of the arts for dance and used to be a dancer at the University of Miami.
Have you always taught science? What led you to focus on that subject area?
I have always taught science, everything from sixth to 12th. I was really drawn to the subject because it’s all about exploration and trying to understand the world we live in.
What is your favorite thing about teaching science?
My favorite thing is being able to watch children learn new things and make connections to things they have learned or experienced. For example we cover plastic as a polymer and they start recognizing other polymers like the foods we eat and our DNA.
Do you have any goals for your Middle School students this spring?
My goal for them is to have the most amazing last couple months at the Marian C. Krutulis PK-8 Campus and to continue setting themselves up for academic success at the Upper School.
Raider Rapid Fire!
Your go-to commute soundtrack: “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan
The last book you read, and your rating of it: Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. 5 stars out of 5!
Favorite science unit to teach: Force and motion
Your guilty pleasure TV series or movie: The Office
