Hunter Sullivan is a new long term substitute at Walpole High School for the 2025-2026 school year. His role covers the position of the English teacher, Mckenzie Gould, who is out on sabbatical leave for the entirety of the school year. Timothy Bergeron, WHS drawing and painting teacher, is Sullivan’s mentor and is helping him get adjusted to his new position.

Bergeron was sent a list to sign up to be a mentor to one of the new teachers. He contacted  Michael Alan where he then paired people together, the mentor being a current faculty member, paired with an incoming teacher. However, Bergeron did not know which new teacher he would be grouped with. He believes that when he is mentoring it is important to be available and present for the teacher, so he guides and helps him. 

“It was so helpful when I was mentored. It is the first time I’ve ever done it. I was really looking forward to being able to return the favor. Most of it is just introducing him to the WHS rhythms, like the way mailboxes work or like the homeroom at the beginning of the year,” Bergeron said.

Sullivan was a swimmer most of his life. In his freshman year of high school, Sullivan took on the job of coaching for his local swim team. Sullivan attended College of the Holy Cross and graduated in 2024 with a double degree in English and Chinese studies. Sullivan then received his master’s degree at Boston University, allowing him to become a student teacher at Boston Latin School. At Boston Latin, Sullivan had taught two classes for one of the teachers who worked at the school fulltime. He later became the coach of a division one school, Boston University for two years. After working with his team, he realized that he took interest in coaching and working with kids.

“Just connecting with people is the number one thing I like about being here. Being a role model for students; meeting them where they need to be met. Guiding them down whichever path they might choose for the future,” Sullivan said. 

Sullivan did not necessarily know what field he wanted to work in and did not know what he wanted to do in high school. He knew he definitely wanted to work with kids but did not know whether he wanted to work in a school setting, sports setting etc.

“I don’t think you can be a good teacher, if you don’t want to be there for the kids,” Sullivan said. 

Sullivan will continue teaching for the rest of this academic year, teaching English for sophomores and seniors.