We are excited to welcome Brittany Phypers, our new staff member, to the St. John Neumann family. I had the opportunity to sit down with her and learn more about her journey, experiences, and vision for her role at St. John Neumann.
Q: What inspired you to work in education, and specifically at our school?
Phypers responds that her decision to follow her son to join our school community was deeply personal. Her passion for education and the environment here at St. John Neumann resonated with her values and experiences. She says, “When my son, Owen, started coming here… he fell in love with the school, the whole culture, the atmosphere, the staff, and the students. I knew that I was going to be moving down here, and I immediately fell in love as well, with the whole St. John Neumann culture, faith, excellence in academics… and I wanted to come over here and be a part of that culture too.”
Q: Can you tell us about your educational and professional background?
“I graduated from Stetson University with a degree in organizational leadership. I’m currently working on my master’s degree. After 17 years of working with middle schoolers, I transitioned to high school where I taught multiple AP subjects. This is my first time in an admin position.” Phypers shares that her experience in both the middle and high school settings has helped her to understand students at different developmental stages. With her first year in administration, Phypers brings a fresh perspective and a passion for leadership.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with students?
Phypers’ student-centered approach is grounded in her belief that every child has unique gifts. She says, “I like to let students know that no matter what level of learning they are in, God has given them a talent. I want them to realize what that talent is, and bring it out in the best way. Once you learn how to nurture those gifts and talents, students start actively participating in their learning process.”
Q: What is your role here at the school, and what responsibilities does it entail?
Phypers explains that her dual role in both teaching and student activities, enables her to impact students both academically and socially. As Activities Director and House Coordinator, she fosters community and engagement through various student-led opportunities.
Q: What is your teaching or working philosophy, and how do you apply it in your daily interactions?
Phypers believes that, “No matter what background you’re from, your education is what’s going to get you out of certain situations. Nobody can ever take an education away from you. I think building relationships with students is key.” She firmly believes in the power of education to transform lives. In addition, by building strong relationships, she ensures that students feel supported and motivated to succeed.
Q: How do you ensure that all students feel included and supported in the classroom or school environment?
Inclusivity is the heart of Phypers’ vision. By creating diverse opportunities for students to engage and connect, she hopes to cultivate a sense of belonging and unity among the student body: “I want to hear from every student. I want every student to get involved. One of my goals this year is to provide numerous clubs so students can feel that they are around like-minded people.”
Q: What excites you most about joining our school community?
Phypers says that here at Neumann, “Students aren’t hindered by behavior problems… so it allows for more connection, more relationship building, and more learning.” She is eager to foster meaningful connections with students, believing that a positive environment free from distractions allows both relationships and academic success to flourish.
Q: What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
In her free time, Phypers enjoys indulging in her love of sports and history, enriching her personal life with learning and exploration.
Q: How do you handle challenges or difficult situations in a school setting?
For Phypers, respect is foundational to solving challenges. Building trust with students allows her to navigate difficult situations with empathy and understanding: “I think it is first a matter of respect. Once you build that, any hurdles can be overcome. I have faced students with behavioral issues before, and once I built that relationship, they knew they could trust me. The learning process flourished after that.”
Q: What advice would you give to students for success in school and beyond?
“Be open to all types of people. Everyone has something that they can learn from someone else. Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Her advice encourages students to embrace diversity and approach life with an open mind. By learning from others and seeking out new perspectives, students can thrive both in school and beyond.
Phypers is a welcome addition to the St. John Neumann family, and we are excited to see how her experience, passion, and commitment to student success will shape our school community. We look forward to watching her inspire students to discover their talents, build relationships, and succeed in all areas of their lives.
