Left to right: Sophie Keller ('24), Lisa Tellers and Nataila Mochernak ('24) pose for a photo at graduation. This year, Tellers was named Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy of Lisa Tellers.
The school named Lisa Tellers, AP Art History and College Prep World History teacher, as the Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 year.
Tellers, who has taught at the school since 2006, is known for her dynamic classroom environment, where students explore history through “hands-on experiences” — whether building trebuchets, sampling global cuisine or stepping outside for an impromptu lesson in the quad.
“I want students to beat a different drum, to try things differently and uniquely,” Tellers said. “History is everything — it’s in the food we eat, the art we see, the places we travel to.”
Her teaching method has had a long-lasting effect. Former students regularly send postcards and emails from all over the world, including one student who mailed her lemons from Sorrento, Italy, after learning about its history in class.
Tellers’ teaching style blends rigor and creativity. She previously taught in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which influenced her “outlook on the world.” Before taking on AP Art History three years ago at the recommendation of a colleague, she taught AP World History and Sheltered World History.
“I’m all about authentic experiences,” Tellers said. “Not everything is about essays or tests. If we can go outside, make something or connect history to real life, that’s when learning sticks.”
Noor Twainy (12), who took both College Prep World History and AP Art History with Tellers, described her as “one of the most dedicated teachers [she has] ever had.”
“She shows how much she loves her job through the amount of work she puts in every day,” Twainy said. “She prioritizes the participation of every student and class always feels really interactive.”
Tellers’ passion for the subject has changed how students view history.
“Before taking both world and art history, I didn’t think I’d love those subjects so much,” Twainy said. “But by the end of both, all I wanted to do was learn more. The energy and enthusiasm she puts into her work inspired me to do the same with mine.”
Zachary Dawson (12), another AP Art History student, echoed Twainy’s sentiment.
“She brings a great positive energy to class every day which I honestly wish I could match,” Dawson said. “Tellers is a wealth of knowledge, experience and stories … she is full of insight about places to travel, things to do and experiences to have.”
Twainy and Dawson both praised Tellers’ work ethic in preparing materials and creating a “friendly and positive” classroom environment.
“I can’t think of any teacher who is more deserving of the award,” Dawson said. “It is great to see the award go to a teacher who works so hard to see her students succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Humbled by the recognition, Tellers highlighted the support among the school staff.
“Every teacher here is special in their own way and I’m lucky to work in a community that supports each other,” Tellers said.
Reflecting on her own education, she credited her former teachers for inspiring her “whimsical and hands-on” teaching approach.
“The [teachers] who pushed me hardest were the ones who made the biggest difference,” Tellers said. “Now, I try to bring that same energy — fair, empathetic and always challenging my students to think bigger.”
When asked about how she hopes students will remember her, Tellers said: “As someone a little quirky, a little unique and hopefully, as someone who made them want to travel.”