Serafina Kubersky '26
Nicole Hood
Nicole Hood began her first year as head of Abington Friends School this fall. She had previously taught at a number of different schools, and she reminisces on what makes AFS different from those other institutions.
The following is a revised transcript of an interview conducted with Nicole.
Overall, how do you think your first year went?
I loved my first year. I’m having a fantastic year; I almost don’t want it to end. I’ve learned more than I think I ever have in any place else.
This is unquestionably the best job I have ever had. I feel like I am really doing the purposeful work that I am supposed to be doing in the world right now. It’s been a big, fantastic year.
What makes AFS so different from the other places you have taught?
You all as students are equally interested in two things. Yes, you are interested in accomplishing all the things that you need to accomplish academically, and I think that you’re really focused on that. I think you guys work hard.
But I also think you take being in this community seriously, and you expect the adults around you to take you seriously as well. And that’s not fake…it feels, to me at least, very authentic.
Just earlier today, a seventh grader came in and walked up to my assistant. [She had] her gang of people with her to make a suggestion about…a change that they think should be made. And they just legitimately believe that I am going to take that seriously. And I am 100% going to listen to their feedback.
I think there is such a spirit of community and ownership of the learning experience that is shared between adults. And I am with intention saying [adults], bigger than just teachers: administrators, people in the cafeteria, people who are working in facilities, your coaches, the administrative assistance on campus, the librarians. All of us are in this enterprise of learning together and that is one of the things that I think sets AFS apart.
Was there a significant obstacle this year that you have had to overcome?
There continues to be a worry about…external factors in the world, [and] how they’re going to impact AFS. And I think a lot of people look at me like, what are you going to do?
I am a person who generally likes to be very proactive and plan for things. And yet, world events right now are unfolding in such a way that we really cannot predict them. So, I am in the position of needing to react versus being able to plan for things.
I think that is going to be an ongoing issue and concern for me as I continue to try to lead this really important gem of a community through the next several years of whatever is going to happen in our country.
What is your proudest accomplishment at AFS this year?
I am proud of the ways…that I have found to connect with students. I went to see every teacher teach; so I got to see students through that. I’ve met with seniors in groups throughout the winter.
I shadowed a sophomore for a day in her classes, and that was really fun. I have loved the moments when I have gone to student events; those might be sports…those might be performances.
Last week I went to the poetry slam, and it was really interesting because it was the first time I really felt I was working in collaboration with students…. I was a judge; Mikael [Yisrael, director of Equity, Justice, and Engagement], myself, a recent alum, and a parent were all judges. Sharing the results at the end and really feeling like there was a trusting relationship between myself…all of the adults and the kids in the room; it really turned out to be a magical night.
We as teachers, administrators, and school leaders are here to learn ourselves, and learn alongside our students. It is such a privilege to watch students grow into the people that they’re going to be [and] make the contributions that they’re going to make; and just really be partners with them in that effort. I think I am probably proudest of that.