Meet Jeff LaPlante, our director of technology, who also coaches hockey and baseball. He and Dolores have three Fenn boys: Garren ’14, Cole ‘15, and Ben, a seventh grader.
Q: What drew you to Fenn many years ago?
A: I was at a job fair in 1989 looking for a social studies position and noticed Fenn had an opening for a math teacher, a subject I have taught. I was invited to campus and offered a position as math teacher, advisor, and coach of football, hockey, and baseball. I spent five years and loved every minute of it. I left to attend graduate school, worked as a technology director and chief technology officer at various public and charter schools before returning to Fenn in 2007. So I am in my fourteenth year here.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching at Fenn?
A: The boys at this age are so great to teach and coach. They are eager to learn. The growth in each boy over the years is phenomenal to experience. Fenn was and remains such a caring and supportive community. Who wouldn’t enjoy being in a place like this?
Q: Do you also participate in a committee or school-wide effort and why is that work important to you?
A: My role as director of technology has grown a lot over the years because technology has changed so much. It is a part of teaching and learning like it never has been before. I love making things work for our faculty and staff and enhancing the educational experience for everyone. Plus, there is never a dull moment when you work with educational technology. It’s fun, too.
Q: What do you hope boys will come away with after being in your classes or on your teams?
A: I hope that they have a better understanding of the role of technology in their lives and that they know how to use It effectively and appropriately. I also hope I can be a good role model for them in my position as an administrator, department chair, teacher, and coach
Q: What are your passions/interests outside of teaching?
A: I enjoy volunteering in our town youth hockey program and in our church in Stow. I also enjoy reading, music, yoga, gold, Boston sports teams, and spending time with my family.
Q: What has Fenn done for your sons?
A: Garren and Cole spent six years here. Fenn gave them a great education and a chance to explore drama, art, music, leadership, community service, and athletics. Ben is lucky enough to be experiencing it now. The all-boys environment is a chance to try new things and be supported and cared for by a great group of students and teachers. The Fenn experience was a life-changing opportunity for my sons. Go Blue!