Artem Shperling’s Recommendation, former student from 2003-2005

Mr. Haap was my Literature teacher in my Freshman and Sophomore years, 2003-2005, at Purcell Marian High School. It was a challenging experience, but I always looked forward to his class, because it was making a big impact on my world view. It was a class we went to not just because we had to, or because it was fun, but because it felt important, on a personal level. It wasn’t just about critical thinking and writing well, but also about shaping our perspective on society, on current events, on our personal life. His class was the bridge, in my adolescence, from a childish way of thinking to a mature way of thinking.

Mr. Haap is genuinely dedicated to his mission of provoking constructive thought. His authentic enthusiasm and pedagogical mastery will make a qualitative difference in any student’s high school experience. I can say with confidence and pride that I had a very good English teacher. I would not have gotten an A on every paper I wrote for my English classes in college had I not learned the valuable skills he taught me. An English teacher of Mr. Haap’s caliber should be a staple of every high school faculty, making a lasting impact on his pupils’ lives.