English Department Welcomes New Addition to Its Faculty

Stevenson School welcomes a new English teacher, Ethan Lipson, to its faculty this year. After teaching English at St. Johnsbury Academy, a combined boarding and public school in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Lipson brings his experience from the East Coast and abroad in Scotland to teach Stevenson’s 9th grade and 11th grade classes.

For the new English teacher, Stevenson stands out not only because of its one-of-a-kind location, but also for its strong sense of community.

During his interview visit to the school, Lipson noticed the warmth in which the faculty

welcomed him and the amiable energy with which they interacted with each other.

“The way the faculty showed up for me when I came to visit assured me that this is a really solid community that has very similar values to me,” Lipson says.

The natural surroundings are another major reason Lipson chose Stevenson. As an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and climbing, he says being able to spend time outside is an important factor for him when choosing where to teach.

“Being in a place where I can be outdoors year-round is huge for me,” Lipson remarks.

Although only having been at Stevenson for three weeks, Lipson is already connecting with one of the school’s main approaches to English: discussion-based learning and using literature to explore larger, more complex questions.

“English class is a space for interpersonal growth,” Lipson explains. “The stories are tools; they’re ways for us to connect with more important things, which is how we treat each other."

That focus on connection is already becoming apparent to his students. 11th grader Gabi Tight, a student in Lipson’s English class, expresses her appreciation for how her teacher makes sure everyone in class has a chance to engage.

“He gives everyone a voice at the table,” Tight says. “He asks the right questions and genuinely wants to hear from each and every one of us.”

Tight also appreciates that Lipson encourages students to look beyond their own interpretations and consider new perspectives. She remarks that even after only a few weeks, his class is one where she can see herself both enjoying the material and succeeding.

Lipson has also made an impression on his fellow English teachers. Rossana McCormick recalls his enthusiasm and openness upon first meeting him.

“When I first met Mr. Lipson, I was struck by how outgoing, approachable, and eager he was to jump right in,” McCormick says. “He brought an immediate enthusiasm for the world, but also a genuine curiosity about our curriculum and the way we teach at Stevenson.”

Another standout feature of Stevenson for Lipson was the school’s focus on fostering a love for learning.

“[Learning] should be fun, and this process should make us feel good and make us feel connected and bring us joy,” Lipson says.

As Lipson begins his first year at Stevenson, he hopes to bring this sense of wonder and joy to his classroom and help students find an appreciation for expanding their perspectives through literature.