Julien Herpers ’11 received an Ed.M. from Boston University and the 2023-24 Pine Crest DeHaven W. Fleming Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is an upper school social science teacher at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After completing his undergraduate degree, Julien started his career as a history teacher at a small New England boarding school more than five years ago. He did not know what to expect when he applied for the role that became available after an unexpected faculty departure. Julien recalls that on the day of his interview, he felt sparks of confidence, creativity, and a hunger for growth from the interactions with the students, which completely drew him in. He hasn’t looked back since. Julien says, “I don’t know if I’ll teach forever, but I do know that I will forever be dedicated to helping students develop empathy, self-confidence, and the ability to feel connected to their environment and the history that has shaped it.”
