Kudos to PC's Amazing Faculty!

Penn Charter’s educators are committed to continuous professional growth. Beyond their work in the classroom, many engage in research, present at national conferences, publish scholarly articles and earn recognition in their field. Through ongoing professional development, they refine their teaching practices to ensure students receive an outstanding education. Here are a few recent faculty accomplishments: 

The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department has had an exceptional year, marked by academic innovation, community engagement and interdisciplinary exploration. 

Michael Moulton’s Quakerism and the Environment class has partnered with first grade students at Wissahickon Charter School, just 1.5 miles from PC, to foster environmental awareness through shared readings and service work at Fernhill Park — a historic and ecologically significant space. 

Tom Rickards has advanced his expertise in applied ethics through graduate studies at West Chester University, enriching his Biomedical Ethics, Environmental Ethics and Advanced Studies: Philosophy courses, where students engage with global philosophical traditions. 

Sharon Ahram’s Peace, Justice and Social Change class has featured impactful guest speakers, including legal professionals and activists, who have deepened students' understanding of justice, incarceration and historical memory. 

Michael LoStracco, serving as a visiting scholar with the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education, has focused on the Meaning Crisis, writing articles and leading online professional development events. He has also partnered with Yale Divinity School to develop a high school curriculum based on the acclaimed course and book, Life Worth Living, which will be offered at PC next year. 

Aly Goodner has continued her vital work in Quaker leadership through the Center for Public Purpose and in her Quaker Principles and Practice classes, and once again brought PC students to the Quaker Youth Leadership Conference, this year at Carolina Friends School. 

Lastly, Jennifer Chernak, teacher of seventh grade QUADS (Quakerism, Art and Design), has expanded the department’s engagement with interfaith dialogue through her participation in an Interfaith Philadelphia event, the "Art of Interfaith Understanding." These faculty members exemplify the department’s dedication to meaningful education that bridges philosophy, ethics, history and activism, inspiring students to think critically and act compassionately in the world.

The English Department and Nora Landon were recently highlighted by R.E.A.L. Discussion as case study in academic leadership.

On Jan. 20, Liz Jones was a presenter for the T.E.A.C.H. from the HEART, LLC webinar, addressing how restorative practices can support and enhance a culturally responsive curriculum. 

Colleen Magarity Kelly had the honor of coaching the New York Charging in the inaugural WLL (Women's Lacrosse League) Championship Series earlier this month.

Melissa Holloway was selected as a participant in the spring 2025 Greater Good Educators Program, Bridging for Belonging, sponsored by UC Berkeley. Alongside fellow educators from across the globe, Melissa is exploring how empathy, humility and forgiveness help us to bridge differences and create spaces of true belonging. Greater Good participants aspire to create a trustworthy community to support their own well-being and that of their students, colleagues and communities.

USA Water Polo has announced its 2024 Zone Awards, and Penn Charter’s varsity girls water polo head coach, Brian Hecker, has been named the Northeast Zone Scholastic Women’s Coach of the Year. The winners, representing zones from all across the country, honor contributions in a variety of areas including coaching, officiating, volunteering, masters water polo and more.