Having graduated from Mount Carmel with the class of 1995, Mr. Joe Gleeson has come back home as the newest member of Mount Carmel’s math department. As he returns to Mount Carmel after 20 years, he notices all the changes in the school, from the new building to the developments in technology. However, he says that “The one thing that hasn’t changed is the people.”

Many of those people he’s encountered are literally the same as during his student days, such as his old English teachers Mr. John Haggerty or Mr. Mark Antonietti. More importantly, though, the people of present-day Mount Carmel still share the same values as those he remembers from the past.

A graduate of Depaul University, Gleeson taught math part-time at Truman College. However, having married last October, he wanted a full-time job to help support a future family. Because of his Mount Carmel history, he checked the school’s website for job openings and found the position.

After applying and undergoing the interviews, Mr. Gleeson was hired, and this year will teach Algebra 1 and 2, as well as Geometry.

Despite having previously taught only on the college level, Gleeson noted that the transition from college to high school teaching was fairly easy. He teaches his students the same as he always has, but the learning and the maturity level of his new high school students is different from his former students.

After being apart of the Mount Carmel community for over 20 years, Gleeson says he brings experience of the school’s culture. Unlike other new staff, he does not need to adjust to Mount Carmel’s environment. Moreover, he hopes his enthusiasm helps his students to become excited about learning.

In addition to teaching, Gleeson will supervise the Commons after school on Mondays and Fridays, and also hopes to soon get involved with more extracurriculars at Mount Carmel.

After being away for over 20 years, Mr. Joe Gleeson says, “I’m really glad to be to be back.”