After new beginnings for 41-straight Septembers, Upper School science teacher, coach, club leader, and mentor Phil Rittenhouse 1760 will be cleaning the microscopes in his lab for the very last time this coming June. As a teacher, he ignited curiosity and fostered a love for learning. As a coach, he instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience, leading his players to success on and off the court. As a member of the GA community, both as colleague and parent, “Ritt,” as he is affectionately known to all, was a true school person.

“Phil’s status among GA students and alums ranks him in the ‘UberLegend’ category for over four decades running,” said Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760. “With a uniquely engaging personality and teaching style, and booming talents in biology, environmental science, and tennis, Phil has forever been the GA embodiment of ‘independent in thought.’ What I love most about visiting Phil’s classes is his desire to make everyone love science as much as he does. He invests enviable energy in helping the self-proclaimed ‘non-scientists’ discover their inner scientists, and he has inspired so many of these former ‘non-scientists’ to pursue his favorite discipline in college and beyond. What a gift! Phil has always loved when science really comes alive for students, so it isn’t surprising that his multi-year commitment to leading our local science fair (which will continue into retirement!) has sparked infinite ‘Eureka!’ moments among thousands of participants. Personally, Phil wears his caring heart and his passionate beliefs so openly on his sleeve; his retirement will indubitably leave us all filled with gratitude to have had an educator of his magnitude at the Academy for so many years.”

And now for the data! Ritt served GA in numerous positions: TEACHER! Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Natural History, Introductory Physical Science, Botany, and Ecology. COACH! Boys and girls varsity tennis (30+ years!!), Middle School basketball, goalie coach for varsity boys soccer. LEADER! Form (V/VI) Head, director of Cliff Claven Club, Adventure Club director, advisor of Mongomery County EcoMeet, advisor of Biology Olympic Team (first place, 2001), Member of the Montgomery County Science Teachers Association, Director of the Montgomery County Science Research Competition. STUDENT! Master’s degree in science teaching (STEM concentration), certified master naturalist, certified tennis professional. AWARDEE! Member of GA’s honorary alumni Class of 1760, nominee for Disney’s Teacher of the Year, finalist for Montgomery County Teacher of the Year. 

Awards and accolades aside, Ritt is most thankful for the opportunity he was given to guide students in the development of their science mind, in class, and through science fair experimentation and to model a way of thinking and questioning their world, that is, a way of ascertaining truth. He hopes their work together helped them apply theory to real life, becoming leaders in their generation. Ritt also hopes his former and current students all have learned not to take themselves too seriously and to laugh as often as possible.

More than anything, Ritt has been a true difference-maker, guiding countless students and athletes with unwavering support and care. His mentorship shaped futures and created lifelong connections. While GA will miss his guidance, his expertise, and, of course, his moustache, we are very proud of the contributions he has made and the work he has done.

Extra Credit

I am thankful for...
The ability to have been employed in a job I found to be intellectually rewarding and that surrounded me with colleagues who were generally smarter than I and truly made me think and think deeply. When my mind had come to (science) conclusion with regard to a particular topic and there were no other avenues of thought worth pursuing, Dave Leshan would challenge me to consider an alternative solution using his hardwired English mind as might Dave Love hardwired to think as an artist would or Joe Scherrer 1760 and Dick O’Hern 1760 who would talk me “off the ledge.” As a result, I was made a better person, a better thinker now, than I was when I started this career. I hope I offered them thoughtfulness too. 

Why Ritt Stayed:
First and foremost, teaching allowed my three kids an opportunity to get a first-rate education. I cannot thank enough those teachers who shared their wisdom and kindness with my kids and prepared them for college. After they graduated, I stayed because I was lucky enough to work with people who are bright, kind, and positive. If you are lucky enough to get to choose the kind of people you get to hang out with, the faculty and staff at GA would be my first choice. And as there were no openings for food critics who travel the world and eat at fancy restaurants, I chose this profession because I value and enjoy working with young people in and out of the classroom. This is one of many intrinsic values that being a school person offers and that I am afforded.

Lasting Memories...
After 41 years there are a lot of fond memories on which to think back. Having my kids graduate from GA, watching them play sports, and teaching a couple of them was priceless. Having a dock built in my name was special, particularly since it was a former class that I was the Head Form of that donated the money (pictured below). Spending time with my dear friend Roger Eastlake '59 and speaking on his behalf at his retirement and his speaking at my 25-year celebration was epic. Organizing and directing the Adventure Club with fellow colleagues Roger Eastlake, Ralph Allen, and John Millar, especially camping and canoeing in the Pine Barrens and Whitewater rafting the class five Youghiogheny River was invigorating.  Lunching as a member of the Bad Boys Table where laughing was priority one and eating red meat priority two was fulfilling. Winning my first Inter-Ac Tennis Championships for the boys and girls and the glee and pride in their eyes and the Gatorade bath was rewarding. And there were many more interactions with some of the best students and colleagues that the United States has to offer.

Send Ritt a Note   Phil would love to hear from alumni, parents, and colleagues. Share a memory with Phil using the NOTES button.

NOTES

 

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

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