University High School was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana for 2017.
The Best Places to Work Award was given to 100 Indiana companies this year, and University High School was the only independent school to be recognized.
This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in Indiana. Though this is the 12th year for the program, this is the first time University High School has applied.
What We Love About University High School
Erion Clark, Math Teacher
“I like University High School because it is a community of people who are truly concerned for one another. University is a place where students and teachers are encouraged to be their best in their unique way.”
Mike Hagan, Business Manager
“University High School is a great place for me to end my work life. I enjoy the people I work with, and I especially enjoy being around the students; they keep an old guy young. Plus, this school lets me teach accounting!”
Erica Posthuma-Adams, Science Teacher
“I am thrilled to be a part of the University High School community. University’s small size allows me to get to know each of my students on a personal level and helps me build meaningful relationships with them. University is a great place to work because we have a knowledgeable, motivated, and dedicated faculty. I feel supported by my colleagues and administrative staff.”
Shannon Swann, Director of International Programs & French Teacher
“I love teaching at University High School because there are so many opportunities to bring the language to life for my students. With smaller classes and the possibility for travel during January Term, my students get to have authentic experiences that really enhance their language learning and cultural understanding.”
Derek Thomas, English Teacher
“University provides students with the opportunity to build respectful, rewarding relationships with faculty (and vice versa). The administration respects me and allows me to operate with significant autonomy in the development of my courses and in their implementation, both of which make me a better, happier, and more effective teacher.”
Jennifer Thompson, Executive Assistant to Head of School
“My colleagues at University High School are part of what makes it a great place to work. The collaborative, all-in efforts of everyone at University as well as their dedication to the educational and emotional development of our students make University a unique, wonderful place to work.”
Jake Thurman, History Teacher
“The way I explain teaching at University High School to my former colleagues at other schools is probably the simplest way I can describe the wonderful experience of being at University. I have them remember back to when they were eighteen years old and deciding to major in education. I then tell them that University is as close to that idealized picture as you are going to find. Teachers are given the freedom to share their love of their subject (and learning, generally) with students in meaningful ways. The students are engaged and invested in their learning. The community is overwhelmingly supportive and welcoming. Simply put, being a part of University High School makes you feel like you are contributing to something very special, and that is a wonderful feeling to take home every day.”
Hear from other faculty and staff by checking out their staff directory pages.
About Best Places to Work
To qualify for the Best Places to Work in Indiana award, companies must meet several qualifications. They must be for-profit, not-for profit, or government entities. They must be publicly or privately held businesses. They must have a facility in Indiana and at least 15 employees working in Indiana. And they must be in business a minimum of one year.
The application process for University High School involved two parts. First, the school submitted information on workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. Second, faculty and staff were asked to measure their experience through individual surveys. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Indiana, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings.
The final rankings will be announced at an awards dinner on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, then published in the May-June issue of the Indiana Chamber’s BizVoice® magazine.
For more information on the Best Places to Work in Indiana program, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkIN.com.