Religion teacher Elise Gower replaced former religion teacher Rachel Harkins on Jan. 17 when Harkins left for a position with the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Gower now teaches both World Religions and Medical Ethics, Harkins’s former classes. Both classes are only offered to juniors.
“I recognize the loss of Ms. Harkins, but I think God opens doors for us. This allows me to pursue my passion of teaching,” Gower said.
Before teaching at JC, Gower was a campus minister at the University of Scranton for three and a half years. Her official title was International Service Program Coordinator. Therefore, she was able to travel abroad with students for service projects.
“My goal in teaching is to accompany students in exploring new and diverse ideas, celebrate our Catholic identity, and guide them in their own faith journey,” she said. “High school is a great time to explore our faith.”
Her undergraduate degree is in theology, whereas her master’s degree is in education.
“This opportunity at JC combines the two,” Gower said.
Gower found the job opening on aimsmddc.org, a website that allows private schools to advertise available job openings. She was then interviewed by Principal Madelyn Ball, Vice Principal of Academics Gary Scholl, and religion department chair Joseph Gallen.
According to Gallen, Gower was the “best interview we experienced” out of the six candidates that they interviewed over the phone or in person.
“Her credentials were almost exactly what we wanted and her answers were exactly what we wanted,” Gallen said.
“It is unusual to find a religion teacher that is also certified in secondary education. I felt that Ms. Gower has all of the critical knowledge needed for teaching religion and also all of the skills needed to be an effective teacher. She is highly qualified,” Ball said.
According to Gallen, she was “very professional” and had a “pleasant way about her.”
Many juniors are eager to discern how their classes may change with the replacement of Harkins.
“I miss Ms. Harkins, but I’m excited to see what class will be like with Ms. Gower,” junior Travis Nelson said.
“Ms. Gower seems organized and straightforward. She’s very open to outside ideas, which I appreciate. I think her class will be interesting,” junior Madison Meyer said.
Gower describes her first day as “much like any other student’s first day of high school.” Faculty members and students alike greeted and welcomed her either in the hallways or in her classroom.
“When I walked out of school, I already felt a part of the community,” she said. “From my first class, I sensed the emphasis of community here. Everyone has been so warm and welcome. I think it really demonstrates that aspect of a community.”
Gower plans on returning for following years as well, saying “I hope to be here for a very long time.”
Sydney Setree is a Managing Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.