As Clarkstown North High School says goodbye to its seniors, it also says goodbye to its faculty. Susan Phalen, an AP English Language and Composition, WISE, and 9R English teacher, is one of several retirees. Ms. Phalen has taught at Clarkstown North for 23 years, devoting an incredible amount of her time and wisdom to our school community. Before she embarks on a new chapter in her life, here is some insight into how she feels about leaving North. 

One thing Ms. Phalen states she will miss about the school is the English hallway. She says “there’s so much excitement and joy that happens [in the hallway] around poetry and creative writing.” She also will miss “the stage, where so many wonderful productions have been put on.” Ms. Phalen has enjoyed so much theater here at Clarkstown North, and it is safe to say that she will continue to enjoy the performances in the future. The beloved English teacher will also miss “the powerful feeling of belonging, being part of the school, and the wonderful people here.”

While leaving the school is deeply sorrowful, Ms. Phalen will begin a new, exciting journey in her life. She is looking forward to “finding out who I am going to be for the next part of my life.” Ms. Phalen provides great insight into how, as a teacher, “it is easy to get locked in one’s identity–it gets reinforced over and over with each school year.” As she “lets go” of her teacher side, she believes “other things that are dormant can blossom.” Clarkstown North shares her enthusiasm and interest in discovering which traits of hers will “blossom” after being a teacher. While she is retiring, Ms. Phalen will not be gone from Clarkstown North; she shares that she plans on visiting the school again in the near future. 

As Ms. Phalen leaves her mark on this school, the school, of course, leaves its mark on her. She will remember North to be, as she described it in three words, a “caring, connected community.” The school, and the English department especially, will miss this influential, wise, and kind teacher as it says goodbye–for now.

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This article is a part of a series of articles and multimedia content highlighting the 2025-26 Clarkstown North retirees.