A high student interest in the Latin program has resulted in the hiring of a new AP Latin teacher this year. Latin teacher Phil Langevin was teaching the maximum number of classes possible, so Don Swanbeck was hired to step in and teach the AP Latin class. Swanbeck grew up in Falmouth, MA on the cape, and attended Carleton College, a small liberal arts college in Minnesota. Swanbeck then continued on to Graduate school at the University of Minnesota to get his Master’s degree in English. After Graduate school, Swanbeck went abroad and taught English at an international school in China, which he described as an amazing experience. Swanbeck also taught at Silver Lake Regional High in Kingston, MA before coming to South Hadley.

Swanbeck said he believes that studying the past is essential and has always had a strong interest in Ancient histories, which is why he enjoys teaching Latin so much. Swanbeck said, “Latin is like a puzzle. It’s something you have to unravel.” Swanbeck loves to see the “ah-ha!” expression on a student’s face when something finally makes sense to them after they had been struggling with the concept for so long. Swanbeck also said, “When I can tell my students are enjoying learning, that’s when I enjoy it the most.”

Swanbeck also enjoys keeping a light, playful classroom environment with his dry sense of humor and sarcasm. Swanbeck said that he appreciates, “good natured banter and clever zingy comebacks,” in the classroom. He explained that unlike some teachers, he doesn’t mind a little bit of teacher-student banter as long as it’s in good fun. Outside of school, Swanbeck enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, and listening to music, as well as creative writing.

The high school has another new staff member this year, Beth Cooke, whose position is the Special Ed department chair. Cooke has always loved working with kids, ever since she began an in-home daycare service. She decided to become a paraprofessional, and then in 2001 she began teaching Special Ed. Cooke grew up in Granby and went to Granby High School, and then attended Elms College. She later went to the University of Massachusetts  Amherst to earn her Master’s degree and CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study).

Cooke lives in Hadley now, and used to work at Hopkins Academy before she applied for the job at South Hadley. She is the mother of two boys and enjoys being outdoors, doing zumba, and reading. As a new employee this year, Cooke is still adjusting to her position and getting to know the school, staff, and students. So far, Cooke said she sees the high school as a great fit for her. When asked about her job, Cooke said, “I really like it a lot. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful. It was definitely a good choice for me to come here.”