David Nagel is the epitome of engagement. His rapport with his students is legendary, his smile infectious. Many fourth-grade students don’t even realize what they have learned until after the school year has ended and they use the information gleaned with their next teacher. It is this teaching style, and his ever-present tweed newsboy hat, that will be missed when he retires this June.

“Some teachers are just the absolutely perfect match for certain students,” said Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760. “In David’s case, his ability to connect distinctly and uniquely with specific fourth graders has truly made a difference for them and for GA. A quintessential gentleman whose politeness imbues every lesson he teaches, David’s engaging teaching style, special humor, and admirable work ethic have distinguished his 27-year tenure at our school. It’s impossible for me to picture the Industrial Revolution without thinking of David’s starring role in the simulation over so many years! Most impressively, David stepped out of his fourth-grade comfort zone by designing and implementing an extraordinary Germantown Academy Experience Program (GAXP) biking and camping adventure trip for a grateful group of Upper Schoolers, some of whom had even been his students back in Lower School. A constant presence at GA admission events, David invested himself and his family, including his daughter Mae, Class of 2021, deeply in life at the Academy, and I will very much miss his presence, impact and smile here on a daily basis.”

While teaching math, English, social studies, spelling and more is the daily life of a lower school teacher, Nagel upped the ante when it came to taking students out of their comfort zone when he brought performance into the mix.

“Fourth graders are open to new experiences, they can suspend disbelief, and they love putting on a show!” said Nagel. “I especially enjoyed the historical plays we created in 4N — Henry VIII, Because of Winn-Dixie, and Ellis Island, among others. Through many historical simulations, the students became Pilgrims, patriots, kings and queens, lords and ladies, Constitutional Convention delegates, 20th-century immigrants, factory workers, railroad barons, newspaper editors, and authors. As math learners, they became tree-builders, bakers, architects, carpenters, and problem solvers. I am so grateful to have taught in a school where that kind of engagement is valued and supported.”

Experiential learning is at the top of Nagel’s list of talents, and he feels it is a necessary part of the Lower School program. He LOVES breathing new life into faraway lands and historical contexts to give his students a true feeling of what came before them.

“I am thankful for the resources GA provided, which allowed me to teach in a way that I believed in,” said Nagel. “I’ve been inspired by my fun and kind colleagues and exceptionally supportive families who partnered with me to help their children succeed. I am also extremely grateful for the many benefits of working at GA, including the opportunity for our daughter to receive an outstanding education as a GA ‘lifer.’”

Moving out of 4N will require A LOT of boxes. It is hard to imagine stripping down 27 years of costumes, math packets, guided reading books, and world maps — all things that contribute to a teaching career well done.

“I look forward to being able to take hiking and bicycling trips in the fall and traveling in the off-season,” said Nagel. “I also have a long, long list of projects to tackle at home, and I look forward to reading for pleasure and getting back to some creative pursuits.”

It is with sincere hope that Nagel’s creativity only flourishes even more when he settles into his retirement phase, and that the newsboy hat never goes out of style.

EXTRA CREDIT

Why I Stayed:
"I found a school and a grade level that were perfect for me. GA gave me the freedom to channel my energy, passion, and enthusiasm for experiential learning, and to teach in a way that was engaging, hands-on, and thought-provoking. I loved getting to know so many interesting kids and helping them stretch academically and gain confidence."

Lasting Memories:
"There are so many, but the good laughs I’ve had with colleagues is high on the list. I will fondly remember the joy and pride kids felt after a play performance or after completing a long-term writing or math project. I’ll also think back to our fun creek walks and showing kids how to skip stones, and the absolutely delightful performances of the Lower School Variety Shows!"

What I Will Miss: 
"Dropping the snowflakes during the Winter Program, classroom dance parties, and reading Poppy to my class each year."

 

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NOTES

 

Honor David with a Gift to GA!   Making a gift to the school in honor of David's retirement is a wonderful way to celebrate his tenure at GA.

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