Come See the Young People in My Class

FACULTY FOCUS:  Susan Vaughan-Fier, an English teacher who has been at Cretin-Derham Hall since 2000, currently teaches Values and A.P. Language and Composition.

Why did you become an educator?

I joined the Lasallian Volunteers and went to Providence, Rhode Island to be a grant writer for a newly opened Christian Brothers middle school. I fundraised, wrote grants, drove to gym class, made lunches and taught one English class. Teaching was consistently my favorite part of the day. Initially, I was terrible at it, but I had never loved something so much. The next two years, I taught 8th-grade boys full-time.

The Christian Brothers have figured prominently in your life story. How have they inspired you?

I learned patience and goodness are skills, not virtues. They are the result of daily practice, not hope or good intentions.

I also learned what it means to see, tell and hear the hard truth in order to improve. My mentor, Brother Lawrence Goyette, regularly counseled me, and he did not sugarcoat his feedback, but he also did not miss the opportunity to show his gratitude.

Most importantly, I learned the beauty of being seen. I lived in community with the Brothers who were attentive and taught me that in the smallest daily acknowledgments, love is shared and sustained.

One of the Brothers shared this Toni Morrison quote with me in my first year:

“When a child walks into the room, your child or anybody’s else’s child, do your eyes light up? That’s what they’re looking for.”

I believe this is how God sees us.

What is it about teaching that ‘fills you up?’

I love being with young people. They are so generous with their honesty, when I am open enough to hear. I enjoy spending my days being attentive, loving the daily surprises. This time in their lives is precious, and I am so grateful to meet them at this point. I also appreciate that what I’ve learned as a teacher has made me a better person and parent. Lastly, I love language! The art of writing, reading and discussing literature — for me, nothing is more fun.

You teach Values — an interdisciplinary course for all 9th graders that combines English, Social Studies, and Religion. Why is this type of class important for our students?

I am a huge believer in the humanities as a way to learn how to critically read, write, think, and feel, but the true importance of Values is found in the community aspect of the class. Learning to be together as new CDH 9th graders is crucial to their development, and it is so vital for welcoming the students to CDH.

How does your faith impact your role as an educator?

I don’t think I am in the classroom to teach ‘content’ even though that is what I do every day. My faith says we are learning how to be together. The unique mixture of people in the room has fascinated me for the last 23 years.

My faith also says I am there to learn how to love better through patience, kindness, and most of all, joy. My ultimate goal is to accept my students and be a joyful presence.

What inspires you about CDH students?

When people around me despair about the world, I tell them, 'Come see the young people in my classes!' 

The students I have are so smart, compassionate, aware, ambitious, energetic, and hardworking.  they have the best sense of humor, and they make me laugh every day.   They truly want to make the world a better place.

What key information would need to be in your autobiography?

I am lucky to have married my husband, Jon, and I have two sons, Owen (14) and Ben (13). They have been the single greatest teachers of love and forgiveness for me. Also, I grew up in a big family (youngest of eight kids), and I have 17 nieces and nephews who have been profound blessings to me. My parents modeled love and integrity in every area of their lives.

At 18, I attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and being there changed my life forever. I stayed on the East Coast after college, joined the Lasallian Volunteers and then went to Harvard graduate school for my master’s degree in education.

When I returned to Minnesota, I began working at CDH — which has been a wonderful place for me these past 18 years. My colleagues are fantastic human beings. CDH has allowed me to be the parent I want to be because it is a supportive workplace as I balance my family life.

One thing about me is I am interested in health. Students know I enjoy eating well. I love running, and I run to work most days. I am also a passionate reader (often my sons and I get in trouble for trying to read during dinner). One of my favorite places in the world is Lanesboro, MN where my husband, sons and I spend the summer.

This article and more are featured in the Winter 2018-19 issue of Traditions.