As the school district prepares for the start of the new year on Aug. 30, Jake’s Seafood Restaurant continued its tradition of hosting a luncheon to welcome new teachers to Hull as they become familiar with the town and their new roles. Superintendent Judith Kuehn and administrators provided these profiles of teachers who will be joining the Hull Public Schools this year.

David Benson will be a long-term substitute 0.8 mathematics teacher at Hull High School during the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Benson received his bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, his master’s degree from the University of West Florida, and his CAGS from the University of New Hampshire.

Theodora (Teddi) Cowden was a long-term substitute grade-four teacher at the Jacobs Elementary School last year, and this year she has been appointed as a grade-two teacher. Ms. Cowden received her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University and her master’s degree from Merrimack College.

Michelle Darragh will be a 0.6 occupational therapist at the Jacobs School. Ms. Darragh received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ithaca College. She comes to Hull from Lexington Public Schools.

William Dorney is joining Hull High School this year as a long-term substitute English language arts teacher. Mr. Dorney received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College.

Athena Fazio will be a preschool teacher at the Jacobs School and comes to Hull from the Walpole Public Schools. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, her master’s degree from Lesley University, and her postgraduate certificate of study from Framingham State University.

Brendan Fitzgerald previously worked in the Haverhill Public Schools as a grade-six social studies teacher. He received his bachelor’s degree from The Catholic University of America and his master’s degree from Merrimack College.

Faith Martin will join the Jacobs School staff this year as a long-term substitute grade-five teacher. Ms. Martin received her bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and her master’s degree from Bridgewater State University, and previously taught at Boston Renaissance Charter Public School.

Katelyn McMurdie will be a grade five teacher in Hull after teaching in Avon Public Schools for many years. Ms. McMurdie received her bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University and her master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Boston.