Austin Prep Faculty Participate in Summer Sabbatical Program

The Austin Prep Summer Sabbatical program was established in 2016 and funds proposals allowing faculty members to pursue their passions while making important advancements in their areas of study, thus reinvigorating their future classroom instruction with new findings and ideas. This summer Austin Prep funded three summer sabbaticals.

Mrs. Nicole Putney is on a three-week road trip from the Florida Keys to Maine, focusing on exploring the lives and writings of prominent American authors. The trip is an educational exploration into the rich tapestry of American literary history by visiting museums, universities, libraries, and authors’ homes, and networking with literary critics, authors, and writers-in-residence.

Mrs. Kerianne Barry is attending the American Association of Teachers of French Convention in San Diego to network with French teachers from across the country, which is followed by a language immersion program run by the French Embassy. The focus is on Francophone culture and will be invaluable in preparing students for the Quebec trip during the 2024-2025 School Year.

Mr. Nathan Piccini’s sabbatical focused on deepening student understanding of Roman culture in Britain. Mr. Piccini traveled throughout Britain from London to Bath, including stops at museums and ruins, and Hadrian’s Wall. These locations are key components of the Roman occupation of Brittania in the first century AD.

Professional development opportunities are heavily supported by gifts to the Austin Prep fund, and we are grateful for the community’s commitment to advancing teaching and learning excellence at Austin Prep.