English teacher Mr. Anthony Pariano joined the Haverford faculty in 2017, originally teaching Form II English. In 2022, he transitioned to the upper school, and in 2025 he became a faculty advisor for The Index.
His impact on his students makes his departure even more significant. His unexpected decision to leave resulted from multiple tragic personal events in his life this year.
“I had some pretty harrowing life events take place. It’s pretty clear that the responsibilities of being there for my parents are completely on me now,” Mr. Pariano said. “I had no intention of leaving Haverford. I thought I was really going to end my career here.”
He describes his new school, University School, as “like if you took the Haverford School and picked it up and dropped it on the East side of Cleveland.”
“It feels like a good fit. There are some differences, but overall, it seems like we are truly peer institutions,” Mr. Pariano said.
Mr. Pariano takes a selfless approach to his teaching, ensuring that his students feel like they are truly discovering things themselves.
“I think the best part is when I see kids have those moments, and then I get to say, ‘Do it again.’”
I’ve felt more connected than I’ve ever felt anywhere else to the people here at the school, to the kids and to the families.
– Mr. Anthony Pariano
Mr. Pariano operates with some unique approaches.
“I couldn’t care less if my students respect me,” Mr. Pariano said. “I want deep personal connections with my students, and I want students to feel connected to their subject matter. And if respect is a byproduct of that, that’s fine. I’m not in it for fulfillment or respect. I’m in it for those moments where I sense that kids have learned something. I don’t want it to be about me.”
Mr. Pariano remarked that moving away was a difficult decision.
“My colleagues have been absolutely phenomenal, and I use the term ‘colleagues,’ but many of them are colleague friends. I think I’ve felt more connected than I’ve ever felt anywhere else to the people here at the school, to the kids and to the families. It’s hard to say goodbye to all of that.”
“It feels like I’ve been here a long time, and I’ve just started,” Mr. Pariano said.
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