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New Faculty Spotlight: Mike Pfaff
Pfaff

Mr. Pfaff is teaching biology in Middle School and Upper School. He's also a coach in the cross country and track and field programs.

A graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor's of science degree in kinesiology, Mr. Pfaff also holds a master's in education from Suffolk University in Boston. He began teaching in 2002 at South Boston High School in Massachusetts, where he taught AP Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. He was also an Adjunct Professor of Educational Psychology and Rhetorical Communications at Suffolk University from 2004 till 2009. He also served as a graduate assistant to the Education Department at Suffolk. In 2011, he joined the faculty at Campbell Hall School, an independent school in California, where he taught Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for nine years. In 2019, he published a self-help book on learning differences, The Student Within: The Art and Science of Easier Learning.

Tell us why you wanted to become an educator: 
I think everyone can think back to one or two teachers and/or coaches who made a positive impact on their lives. I always wanted to be that person. 

What most excites you about working at Norfolk Academy? 
The community. I feel inspired, energized, and enlightened every time I have the honor to converse with the students, faculty, and staff. 

Norfolk Academy is unique because… 
It’s extremely hard to narrow down to just one factor, but the school’s rich history and sense of tradition while simultaneously embracing progression, innovation, and change is profound. 

Last book read: 
Sweet Taste of Liberty by W. Caleb McDaniel 

What do you like to do in your own time/when you’re not working? 
I love spending time with my 5-year-old daughter, Emma, and my 1-year-old son, Matthew. Distance running has also been a big part of my life and I still love to be in nature - hiking, biking, and swimming. Therefore, having the privilege to do those activities with my children has been exponentially joyous. 

Favorite food? 
Any kind of seafood! 

A movie is being made about your life. Who would they cast to play you? 
Matt Damon 

Fun fact your students might find surprising: 
I used to study Wing Chun Kung Fu (same martial art Bruce Lee started with as a child before adapting his own style of Jeet Kune Do). 

“When I grow up, I want to be…” 
A teacher students remember with a smile. 

Mike Pfaff teaches biology in Middle School and Upper School. He also coaches cross country and track and field.

Mike Pfaff teaches biology in Middle School and Upper School. He also coaches cross country and track and field.

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