By Nathan Grant ’16, News Editor
Mr. Joel Hager is the new teacher in the Middle School History Department. Mr. Hager will be teaching four sections of eighth grade American History and Government as well as coaching boys’ Middle School soccer and lacrosse. Prior to teaching at Country Day, Mr. Hager spent seven years teaching middle and high school history, coaching girls’ soccer, boys’ basketball, and boys’ lacrosse, and advising the Model United Nations club at Moorestown Friends School – a private pre-school through 12th grade school in Greater Philadelphia. He has also taught in British Columbia, Malta, Texas, and Cleveland. Mr. Hager’s family influenced him to teach history. His father was born and raised in Africa while his mother was from Cleveland. Mr. Hager explains that “because [he] had family in different parts of the world, [he] was exposed to different cultures and languages at a very young age.” When asked what inspired him to teach at Country Day, Mr. Hager explained that he was intrigued by Country Day’s technology program. He said, “It is essential for [his] students to have a myriad of different options for learning because today’s students learn in so many different ways.” By teaching at Country Day, Mr. Hager hopes to inspire his students to appreciate life and not be overwhelmed by the moment. Outside of teaching, Mr. Hager enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and ping-pong. He loves listening to music and even had his own radio show in college.
