For most people, the beginning of their high school career was a period of uncertainty and adaptation, with periodic thoughts about plans for after graduation. For North Penn’s own Mr. Mark Keagy, a career was decided on even before his freshman year.

“I was in 8th grade, in a Social Studies class with my teacher, who was a really nice guy, but was a terrible teacher. I was being an obnoxious thirteen year old, acting out a bit and I got in trouble. My punishment for disrupting class was that I had to teach the next day’s class. I spent several hours planning lessons, I went in the next day and it was one of the best times of my life, ” Keagy stated.

A punishment that helped find one’s true passion is a thing of poetry, but for Keagy it helped guide him and give him a head start in life, many years ahead of his peers. Initially wanting to become a Mathematics teacher, he soon discovered his true passion, Chemistry. 

“I loved that Chemistry was something I could understand and figure out, but didn’t have to memorize or regurgitate, ” Keagy explained.

Initially finding chemistry somewhat challenging, Keagy grew to love the subject, and decided to pursue a career of being a chemistry teacher. After graduating high school, he went on to pursue a chemistry degree at Temple University. Balancing work and his personal life made it difficult to find the time to invest in his studies. 

“In university there aren’t as many safety nets, so in high school, if a student is not doing well or struggling, there are a lot more avenues for support, where as in college, there are still supports available, but the student has to initiate those, and there’s a lot more self-learning I believe,” Keagy stated

As unforgiving and academically demanding as studying for a chemistry degree was, Keagy graduated and went on to achieve his dream, becoming a teacher at a small private school in Ewing, New Jersey, right outside of Trenton. Teaching at a small and tidy private school of an average of 20 people per graduating class had its positives and negatives, but after eight years of teaching he decided to switch to North Penn, eventually becoming science department chair. With this being his 34th year of teaching, Mark Keagy has witnessed significant changes and advancements in education. 

“[North Penn] is almost unrecognizable now. I think the dramatic rise and influence of technology has had an enormous impact on students, how students learn and even their interpersonal relationships are very different,” Keagy explained.

With the changing world influencing technology with new ways every year, what remains unchanged is Keagy’s enthusiasm and passion towards teaching chemistry. 

“North Penn has activities for every interest and talent there is. Our academic programs are tailored so that they are accessible to all students, and because of that we are good at an awful load of things,”  Keagy exclaimed.

With this being his twenty eighth year at North Penn, Keagy became not just yet another chemistry teacher, but a source of inspiration and guidance for countless students, helping shape the future of the next generation year after year.