New Middle School Math Teacher taught previously at Merion Mercy Academy.

Middle School Math teacher Mr. John Fitzpatrick’s goal this year is to “build as many relationships with the boys as possible.” Although he is teaching in the Middle School, he hopes to keep a close tie with the Upper School too.

Born and raised in Drexel Hill, Fitzpatrick is one of eleven children. He falls eighth in the family order.

“Here is a fun fact: my oldest sister and mom are closer in age than my oldest sister and youngest sister,” Fitzpatrick said.

Now, his family is much smaller. He has a wife and two kids.

“We all enjoy baseball,” Fitzpatrick said. “We like to play outside a lot.”

When Fitzpatrick was a kid, he dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player.

“I played baseball growing up,” Fitzpatrick said. “My favorite player was center fielder, Lenny Dykstra. He was on the ’93 Phillies, and I thought he was a great player.”

One of Fitzpatrick’s lifetime goals is to visit all of the baseball stadiums in the country.

“I have been to 14, mainly on the northeast coast,” Fitzpatrick said. “I have also been
to a couple in California because some of my siblings live out there.”

After a few years, Fitzpatrick realized that playing professional baseball was not part of his future. By his freshman year, John knew what he wanted to do.

“I had an awesome Algebra teacher at St. Joseph’s Prep,” Fitzpatrick said. “After that class, I knew that I wanted to be a math teacher.”

Fitzpatrick started working when he was 14. Since then, he has worked many jobs.

“I waited at the Quadrangle, which is a retirement home in Havertown,” Fitzpatrick said. “Throughout high school, I worked at a CVS in Springfield. After graduating from the University of Scranton, I did statistics for a research company. They sent us pet food, and we tested it with the animals.”

Before Malvern, Fitzpatrick taught at Merion Mercy for four years.

“I loved it there,” Fitzpatrick said. “I was involved with the math activities, including Mathletes and Math Counts.”

Fitzpatrick’s wife also shares his passion for math, as she is a math teacher too.

“We live in Willistown Township, right across the street from the Phelps School,” Fitzpatrick said. “My wife teaches there.”

Fitzpatrick cannot wait to dive into the school year.

“It seems that all the faculty loves teaching here,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am excited for the students to come back so we can get to learning.”