Before she started her career as a history teacher, SPS social studies department chair Samantha Lesniak “never in a million years” thought she would work in a school setting. She started at Bridgewater State University as a political science major but was always surrounded by dedicated students, which helped her realize her true passion for teaching.
Though Lesniak first imagined herself as a lawyer, once she switched to education, she never questioned whether she would teach history. She grew up as a “huge history nerd” and took any opportunity she could to learn about it. For her, the best part of teaching history is that each student can interpret it differently, adding, “You never know where class is gonna go!”
After teaching high school history for twelve years, Lesniak decided to try something new. In 2019, she applied for the assistant principal position at Gates Middle School. During her four years in this role, her responsibilities included working with students and their families, collaborating with administrators, teachers, and counselors, and managing emergencies. Lesniak said she enjoyed watching students grow and mature as middle schoolers, commenting, “They go into 6th grade as babies…they still have their Hello Kitty dolls and Lego sets.”
A teacher at heart, Lesniak started to miss the classroom, so when the SPS social studies department chair position opened up in the spring of 2023, she decided to apply. Lesniak said her current role combines all of the best parts of each job she’s held: She gets to teach history, work with administrators, teachers, students, and families, and oversee the middle and high school history programs.