After graduating from Hamilton, Suzanne Finnerty was selected as a Teach for America corps member in Baltimore. She completed a six-week intensive teaching institute in Philadelphia with Teach for America, where she focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, specifically in history curriculums. During her time in the corps, she taught 10th grade American Government at Digital Harbor High School and coached girls lacrosse. At this time, Ms. Finnerty also received an M.S. Ed. from Johns Hopkins University where she focused on secondary education and educational policy. 

Ms. Finnerty joined the Gilman community in 2021, where she teaches Making Modern Europe and AP Art History. She has done significant work on the history curriculum, focusing on highlighting diverse stories and emphasizing primary sources in Making Modern Europe. In addition to teaching, Ms. Finnerty is the head coach of fresh/soph soccer and an assistant coach for JV lacrosse.

Q&A

What was your favorite teaching moment?
My favorite teaching moment is teaching Gothic cathedrals — and using 45 lb. weights, resistance bands, and students to show the difference between Romanesque and Gothic arches.

What is your favorite spot on Gilman's campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the Adirondack chairs on the terrace.

Why do you enjoy teaching at Gilman?
I love the camaraderie and brotherhood that exists at Gilman. In my mind, there is nothing more special than a group of boys working together and supporting each other through challenging times. The energy is infectious, and I can't help showing up to class with a smile every day.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
My high school history teachers, Ms. Sousa and Mr. Parisi, made me fall in love with history. Their classrooms were places where I felt safe, encouraged to try my hardest, and supported should I fail. They showed me that history — in its simplest form — is a story, and that it is our job as historians to find the story, and tell it. Their care and investment in me as a student, learner, and global citizen made me feel called to teach. Since I was 13, I have said, "I want to be like Ms. Sousa when I grow up."

People may not know…
That I love camping and hiking! I have backpacked in New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Virginia, Maryland, Wyoming, and Montana.