All of the data was collected through interviews and conversations with members of the staff. This includes teachers as well as other faculty members. Out of respect for our sources we have chosen to omit their names. The images above include the Principal and our three mentors. Not all of these individuals have been interviewed, thus the opinions in this work do not necessarily reflect their views of GAMP. Photos courtesy of www.gampschool.org.
THE TEACHERS
According to one source at the school, the teachers are “the most dedicated, talented, and creative educators [he] has ever worked with. They give their time, money, and hearts to make GAMP a wonderful place.” The teachers at GAMP can be likened to a close-knit family. They work together to ensure that all students have the tools to succeed. Part of what makes the GAMP family so strong is its ability to choose which candidates join the team. Unlike other schools throughout the district, GAMP teachers have voted for site selection. This means that when hiring new talent, faculty members have input in whether or not the applicant comes to GAMP. This practice ensures that only educators of the highest quality and whose vision fits that of the school can join the family.
While the team is extremely strong now, it was not always this way. Over the past decade, the faculty has changed significantly. All of the less engaged teachers have left and have been replaced by energetic and dedicated individuals. These educators are very committed to making GAMP a great home for students as well as faculty. The high school teachers share a common prep period, which facilitates collaboration and conversation. According to our mentors, the eight teachers can often be found lunching together on the third floor. This close bond among them is one of the many reasons they, too, are happy GAMPers.
While the team is extremely strong now, it was not always this way. Over the past decade, the faculty has changed significantly. All of the less engaged teachers have left and have been replaced by energetic and dedicated individuals. These educators are very committed to making GAMP a great home for students as well as faculty. The high school teachers share a common prep period, which facilitates collaboration and conversation. According to our mentors, the eight teachers can often be found lunching together on the third floor. This close bond among them is one of the many reasons they, too, are happy GAMPers.
THE FAMILIES
The GAMP parents are another part of the happy GAMP family. They are an extremely active group of adults supporting students and teachers continuously. Faculty members boast that every year the classrooms are full during Parent-Teacher night, and feel the parental presence in nearly every way. Parents volunteer to chaperone trips and help with classroom activities as well as fundraise for the school. The Home and School Association is very strong, exhibiting a steadfast commitment to both academics and performance.
LIFE AT GAMP
Life at GAMP is pretty great. As with any high school, incidents arise that are less than pleasant, but overall, most people are happy GAMPers. Due to its small size, students become well acquainted with each other and their teachers. Even faculty members who learners have yet to encounter in an academic setting become trusted figures in the building. Dr. Carr and now Dr. Domb have worked hard along with the staff to make GAMP an academic and vibrant school. The results of their efforts are reflected in the excellent PSSA scores, low rate of suspensions, lack of serious incidents, and high daily attendance. GAMP is a terrific example of a school serving a diverse student population exceedingly well.