StC News
Upper School Teacher Recognized for Commitment and Skill
Upper School School Teacher Sue Varner is named as the Dr. Churchill Gibson Chamberlayne Chair.
Sue Varner gets a little embarrassed talking about the recent recognition that has come her way.
The Upper School World Languages Department chair and Spanish teacher received The Dr. Churchill Gibson Chamberlayne Chair in memory of the founder and first headmaster of St. Christopher’s School.
Established by alumnus J. Malcolm Firth ’33, the chair recognizes a master teacher who inspires students with her passion for intellectual pursuits and a strong commitment to the development of personal values and moral integrity.
“It is an indescribable honor,” said Varner. “When Mr. Syzmendera told me, I thought he was kidding. Eventually, I asked: ‘Are you sure?’”
A magnanimous teacher who takes her work seriously, Varner cares deeply about her students. Her unapologetic and rigorous approach to educating future Spanish speakers requires focus, immersion and a no-nonsense work ethic. Her keen ability to assess student strengths and address individual learning needs stand out.
Tony Syzmendera said: “A recent teaching candidate described Sue as a warm demander. That phrase fits her perfectly. She has an innate ability to understand what the bar of achievement is for every student in her classroom, and then she goes about demanding that each of those students reach that level. She is the definition of relational teaching, which is the hallmark of the best teachers at St. Christopher's, past and present.”
Varner noted the long-lasting impact of two high school Spanish teachers. She credited Senor Alverez for making classes exciting, validating and affirming. “His joy of teaching and connectivity inspired me. I wanted to be just like him,” she said. Similarly, she recognized C.B. Ashby, for inspiring compassion, kindness and community service. She marveled at his outreach with migrant workers in the farm dense region that surrounded her hometown of Winchester. “His commitment to the Spanish speaking community had a bearing on my professional life. Those experiences left an enduring impression,” she said.
Extraordinarily innovative and effective in the classroom and beyond, Varner’s personality, commitment and dynamism enabled her to stand out at StC when she arrived 20 years ago. Her passion for the greater good has always been a natural extension of her work. She possesses the uncommon ability to cultivate relationships, affirm student-teacher alliances, bolster skills and initiate significant conversations.
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