“Beatting” to a New Drum

Ryan Beattie, the beloved former English Department Chair at Scituate High School, is taking on a new role within the Scituate Public School district as Assistant Principal of the Lester J Gates Middle School. With the new school, came a new opportunity and Beattie jumped at the chance. He told The Scituation he was looking forward to working with Ryan Lynch, the Gates principal, as the two of them had worked closely years before when they were both a part of the English Department at the high school. “I took the chance,” Beattie stated, explaining that he is “really, really happy” and that he has “learned so much.”

Although the jump from working with high school students to middle school students may seem like a challenge, Beattie said there are more similarities than differences, as he feels “kids just want to feel respected.” He said that all students, no matter the age, need to be held to “really high standards.” The main difference between the students he said is the energy level. According to Beattie, when he talks to the middle school students, “they are excited about everything.” Beattie is excited to see his colleagues capitalize on the energy level and excitement of these young learners.

Many current seniors at Scituate High School can fondly remember Mr. Beattie as their first English teacher at SHS. Beattie admits teaching ninth grade was his favorite grade, as the students are in a “year of transition and figuring things out.” Beattie said he was pleased when he noticed that´s what all middle school students are–a group of students who are just trying to figure it out. Beattie said middle school students “need support, need encouragement, and need boundaries.” Beattie acknowledged he misses teaching in a classroom, but he is taking his love of teaching and applying it in a new light. He said, “The greatest things about this job is that I am able to continue teaching.”