Mrs. Hope: Vice Principal of Student Life
This year, our school is experiencing lots of change and new things. Among these changes was our new Assistant Principal for Student Life, Mrs. Hope! I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions and learn a lot more about her!
- Who are you and what’s your position here at Nazareth?
My name is Maura Hope, and I am the Assistant Principal for Student Life.
- Where did you work before and what was your position there?
I worked for 13 years in the school district of Philadelphia at Austin Meehan Middle school. I started out there as a math and social studies teacher when I was 23. Over the years I worked hard and became the head of the Math department, the Roster Chair (the person in charge of all the teacher and student schedules), I was the Dean of students as well as 8th grade Advisor (the person in charge of 8th grade dance and graduation). While doing all of this I was also the Algebra 1 teacher.
- What inspired or led you to become a disciplinarian?
I was a disciplinarian at my last school, so the transition into this role at Nazareth seemed to fit nicely with what I had been doing for many years already. For me, it was about wanting to work with students and getting to know them. I prefer to work with a student to figure out the root of any problem they may be having, not rush to any judgement about their actions. Having someone listen and understand situations before they rush to any judgement has always benefited the students I have worked with in the long run.
- What influenced your decision to come to Nazareth?
I wanted to find an administrative role in education where I would be a good fit. I grew up not far from here and always heard what a wonderful school this was, so when I saw the opening I decided to apply. When I was looking at the website, I loved seeing all the sisterhood themes and the community service element that Nazareth brings to the community.
- Where did you attend college?
I went to Temple University and received my bachelors in secondary education. I went to Holy Family for my Master’s degree in education and went back to Holy Family to obtain my educational leadership certification.
- What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject always depended on what teacher I had. A great teacher inspires you to get involved and love the subject you are learning. In high school I had a great math teacher and a wonderful chemistry teacher.
- Do you have any pets?
I have a dog, Mikey
- What’s your all-time favorite show or movie?
I love watching movies, it is my way to unwind and relax but if I had to pick The Notebook is probably my favorite. I watch a lot of Disney movies and shows these days though.
- Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
I spend most of my time with my kids, I have 2 children, my daughter is 5 and my son is 8.
This article originally appeared in the October 2020 edition of The Nazareth, Volume XCIII, No. 1.