While freshman biology teacher, Amy Norris, was busy planning her maternity leave, Masters searched for the best person to temporarily fill her position. A teacher at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, Joseph Doggett, was staying with his sister in the area when he saw the open teaching position, and applied for the job.

In a period of 32 years, Doggett has taught and worked at Tabor as a science teacher, head of academics, administrator, dorm parent and even a sports coach. He is currently on sabbatical. He notes the differences between Masters and Tabor, stating that the broad range of individuals attending and working here has been interesting, and the sense of community here runs very strong.

Although he is only here for a three month period, Doggett looks forward to taking familiar subjects and teaching to an unfamiliar audience in a new way. Prior to teaching here, he is not used to the Harkness method and had to work out the differences that arose while teaching new students in an unfamiliar style. He notes that the Harkness method has helped his students become more verbal; he describes it as very refreshing in the classroom.

The biggest issue he has run into so far is never having enough time in the day. “Sometimes all that’s needed is an extra hour to let the information sink into a student’s brain, or to allow me more time to grade homework and tests,” he said.

The Masters community has welcomed Mr. Doggett during his short time with us. He expressed his appreciation for the experience he has had here. “I’ve learned that students constantly keep me energized, because they’re full of energy, full of questions, and full of wonder,” Doggett said.