Alumni Spotlight: Michael Cohen '94

What changes do you remember seeing in yourself after starting at Woodlynde?
I came to Woodlynde in 1988 for junior high.  At my public elementary school, I wasn’t ever identified as having a specific learning difference, but my teachers were always concerned about my difficulties with organization and paying attention.  They worried that once I got to junior high, I would slip through the cracks. At Woodlynde, the teachers understood my issues and were able to help me become a more organized, confident student.

What has been the long-term value of a Woodlynde education for you?
Confidence, confidence, confidence! It took a little bit of time, but eventually, I had it.  At Woodlynde, I was able to get on the honor roll, make some meaningful friendships, and learn how to keep myself organized.  I had the confidence and opportunities to try things that I never would have been able to do in a bigger school. I played lacrosse, basketball, and ran cross country, and I wrote for The Informer.

Describe your professional journey after Woodlynde?
I graduated from Hofstra University in 1998 with my B.A. in Psychology and quickly found a job at The Vanguard Group. Through fellow 1994 alum Bill Stone, I met my wife, and she helped me realize that finance was not what I wanted to do with my life.

While working at Vanguard, I spent my lunches volunteering at Upper Merion High School through the Junior Achievement Program.  It was then that I fell in love with teaching. In September of 2001, I quit my job at Vanguard and enrolled in a master’s program at Arcadia University, receiving my degree in Secondary Education Social Studies in 2003.

It was never planned that I would wind up at Hill Top, who is ironically a competitor school to Woodlynde. I obtained a position as a social studies teacher and thought I’d gain some experience there for a few years and move on. Instead, I really enjoyed teaching the kids at Hill Top and became certified in Special Education. Soon, I was offered the position of Middle School Head, and I quickly accepted!

What do you think drew you to working in education?
I love the gratification of seeing when a student has an “a-ha” moment in the classroom as well as the lasting satisfaction of seeing a student I taught years ago deliver a graduation speech as a mature young man or woman.

What advice would you give to current Woodlynde students or recent graduates?
Patience, “stick-to-itiveness,” and flexibility are the most important traits you’ll need. When I graduated, I didn’t find the perfect job for me right away.  By having these traits and working at a place that was not the right fit, I found what I love – teaching.