Peter W. Sullivan, Jr. is the Lower and Middle School Assistant Principal of Community and Culture. He joined Carolina Day in 2014. Peter’s experience spans multiple divisions, ranging from a fifth grade classroom teacher to coaching middle school wrestling to upper school director of college guidance and outreach to interim Lower School assistant principal. Before he began working in independent schools, he taught environmental education to students of all ages and backgrounds for a year-round camp located in North Georgia. He says camp played an integral role in developing his educational foundation and philosophy.
 
Get to know Peter Sullivan:
 
In what ways can you teach/engage children at CDS that you couldn't at other schools? “At Carolina Day, I am excited about utilizing the collective wisdom of a talented faculty and staff to enhance my own teaching, as well as embracing the breathtaking mountains and outdoor space that surrounds our school.”
 
What do you like most about your job at CDS? “In my time working at CDS, I have come to value the diverse group of educators who work here, as well as the creative and happy students that bring the school to life.”
 
In your opinion, how does the CDS community inspire students to be courageous and curious, wonder about things that they don’t understand, try new things, and develop individual passions? “The CDS community inspires students to be courageous and curious, wonder about things they do not understand, try new things, and develop individual passions because of the nurturing environment that permeates the entire campus and school community. The teachers are able to extrapolate their students’ individual strengths due to CDS' intentional small size, as well as provide a supporting atmosphere that fosters risk-taking, empathy, and inspiration.”
 
What books and authors inspire you? “I am inspired by books that embrace the outdoors and provide a true depiction of the beauty and challenges of outdoor adventure and education, such as A Walk in the Woods (Bill Bryson) and Last Child in the Woods (Richard Louv). I also enjoy reading books about young adults trying to make big life decisions and how those decisions impact their community, such as Lord of the Flies (Sir William Golding).”
 
What is your favorite quote about education, mentorship, children, and/or learning? “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”   –Maya Angelou
 
How would you describe yourself and/or your approach to your job in 10 words or less? “I incorporate humor as much as possible into my job.”
 
Which classroom projects/events are you known for? “Over the years, I tend to focus on projects that allow students to “experience” their education rather than only learning about it in a book. This allows students to apply their critical thinking skills when solving real-world problems.”
 
What personal passion brings balance to your life? “The personal passions that bring balance to my life are my wonderful family and the great outdoors. They both serve as constant reminders that life is too short so we must play hard and pay attention to the small details that make life rich.”
 
How is CDS different from what you experienced as a child in school? “I attended public school during my elementary and middle school years, and now that I work in independent education I have come to appreciate the flexibility and creativity that is fostered through an independent school curriculum and community. CDS seems to encourage its students and faculty to let their creative juices flow, while simultaneously building a rigorous academic foundation for all types of learners.”