How Do Students Get Along With Their Teachers?

Our teachers strive towards an ideal of friendship with their students that flows from the Academy’s Salesian spirit. We seek a rapport that is marked by good will, respect, and affinity. Following in the footsteps of St. John Bosco, Academy teachers speak to students in the language of the heart, and students in turn are moved to look upon their teachers as friends and benefactors who seek their good. 

When correction is necessary, students avoid feelings of resentment since such actions are accompanied by friendly admonishments which appeal to reason and the reaches of the heart. As St. John Bosco said: “A master who is only seen in the master’s chair is just a master and nothing more. But if he goes into recreation with the boys, he becomes their brother.” By joining them in their moments of work and play, sharing their labor and laughter, teachers form bonds of friendship with their students that endure for years. 

Who Are Your Faculty?

Karen Beebe
kbeebe@gregorythegreatacademy.orgKaren Beebe grew up in Cooperstown, New York and holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Mrs. Beebe serves as the Registrar, Admissions Director, and Poetry teacher.

John Burger
jburger@gregorythegreatacademy.comJohn Burger holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Christendom College and an M.A. in English from the University of Dallas. John teaches Latin, Humanities, Heaven and Earth Science, and serves as the Academy’s Farm Foreman.

Luke Culley
lculley@gregorythegreatacademy.orgLuke Culley received his bachelor’s degree from Thomas Aquinas College and master’s degree in Literature from the University of Dallas. He serves as Headmaster, Humanities II and Church History teacher, and is the director of the Saint Julian’s Juggling Troupe and the Senior Pilgrimage.

Sean Fitzpatrick
sfitzpatrick@gregorythegreatacademy.orgSean Fitzpatrick is a graduate of Thomas Aquinas College. He serves as the Assistant Headmaster and teaches Literature I and II, and leads writing and drawing guilds. He lives in Scranton with his wife, Sophie, and their seven children.

Anthony Hierro
Anthony Hierro is a graduate of St. Michael’s Preparatory Academy in California and the University of Dallas, where he majored in business and accounting. After a stint in I.T. field, Mr. Hierro worked at the St. Anthony Shelter for Renewal in the Bronx. He enjoys coaching sports, having played rugby in his Dallas days, and also reading, with a special regard for Tolkien, Waugh, and Hemingway. Mr. Hierro serves the Academy as the Algebra I-II and pre-Calculus teacher, and soccer and rugby coach.

Nathan Lefler
A long-time friend of the Academy, Nathan Lefler is Associate Professor of Theology in the department of Theology/Religious Studies at the University of Scranton, where he teaches courses on Grace, Friendship, Hagiography, and Worship. He has published articles on the Psalms, St. Augustine, St. Benedict, St. Thomas Aquinas, Balthasar, Shakespeare, J. R. R. Tolkien, Flannery O’Connor and Catholic liturgy. He is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Academy seniors’ Theology seminar. He lives in Scran-ton with his wife, Annie, and three children.

Michael Miller
After twenty years pursuing his love of carpentry and woodworking and becoming a general contractor, Michael joined the Academy to serve as Director of Operations. He is thrilled at the opportunity to beautify and care for the building and property. Michael is teaching Euclidean Geometry as well as pioneering a woodworking guild for the boys. He and his wife, Kaylie, live in Elmhurst, PA with their seven children.

Paul Prezzia
Paul Prezzia holds a BA in History from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MA in History from the University of Notre Dame. He joined the development team of Gregory the Great Academy in 2012 and serves as school Business Manager, teaches Latin and writing, and leads the strength training program.

Daniel Schiller
dschiller@gregorythegreatacademy.orgDaniel Schiller is a native of New Baltimore, NY. He graduated from Ave Maria University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He teaches Scripture II, supervises Senior college preparations, and is an administrative aide. Mr. Schiller lives in Waymart, PA with his wife, Clare, and four children.

Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith serves as the Director of Development. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Christendom College in 2007, and an M.A. in National Security Affairs from The Institute of World Politics in Washington DC in 2011. He currently lives just outside of Front Royal, VA with his wife, Kathleen, and their three children.

Garret van Beek
gvanbeek@gregorythegreatacademy.orgGarret van Beek received his degree in Sociology from the University of Ottawa. Garret is the Athletic Director, and the Head Coach of the soccer and rugby programs. He teaches Natural History I and II, and lives in Moscow, PA with his wife, Claire, and eight children.

Matthew Williams
mwilliams@gregorythegreatacademy.orgMusic Director Matthew Williams holds a degree in music from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where his primary instrument was the piano. Having been involved in church music from an early age, Matthew has participated in and conducted choirs both young and old. He has served as organist for several parishes and teaches private piano. In addition to directing the Schola and teaching Sacred Music, Matthew serves as Residential Dean at Gregory the Great Academy.