New Staff @ WHS - Rachel Dillon

It is my pleasure to introduce Rachel Dillon to the Waldwick community.  Mrs. Dillon will be a great addition to our Language Arts Department. This year she will be teaching English 10 and Blueprint at the high school and will also have one class in the middle school.   We are very excited to have her as part of WHS.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background? 

I grew up in Mahwah, about 3 miles from WHS in a family of five. I commuted to William Paterson University while working at the local Wyckoff Stop & Shop. I married my high school sweetheart one year after graduating college, during my first year of teaching. About three years ago, we moved to Allendale, from New Milford. I am a mother to six year old James and one year old Elizabeth.

What made you choose education as a career?

I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher as a result of watching my mother in the classroom. When I was four, my father gave me his old briefcase that I filled with "teaching supplies" and I would use my mother's childhood chalkboard to "teach" my class. I played this way for years and when I was in middle school and high school, I studied for my tests by pretending to teach the material to my imaginary students. It always felt natural to me and I knew I could make a difference in someone's life.

What appealed to you about Waldwick High School?

I student taught at WMS over ten years ago and always looked back fondly on my experience. Through the years, I have seen firsthand how wonderful the community of Waldwick is and I am so happy to truly become part of it.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I have taught middle and high school in both English and Social Studies. I have a passion for both subjects. My mother has taught English for over 25 years now and my grandfather was a WWII veteran, who fought in The Battle of the Bulge. He passed away when I was 11, so I never had the opportunity to ask him questions. He was deeply affected by the war, as was his brother, who fought in Japan during WWII. My mother and grandfather shaped my passion for both subjects.

Also, I love to travel. I have a long list of places that I would like to go to but I feel fortunate to have traveled internationally to Spain, Italy, France, Morocco, Mexico, and Aruba.