This is the third year Delbarton has hosted its Teaching Fellowship Program. This one-year initiative is open to Delbarton alumni currently in their senior year of college. In November, members of the Class of 2021 are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity to return to their alma mater during the 2025-2026 school year to assist a Delbarton teacher and mentor Delbarton students.

The post-grad Teaching Fellow term is from August to May, and the Program gives applicants considering a career in education an opportunity to experience life in a school environment, as well as serve as a gap year for alumni embarking on a post-graduate degree program or career.

To get a better look into this Program, Delbarton introduces this year's Teaching Fellows: from left, Juan Hermo '19, Jerry Jabbour '20, and Khyri Fortenberry '20.

Hermo grew up in Newark, immersed in the rich traditions of Latino and Iberian cultures, before joining Delbarton as a 9th grader. Joining Diversity Among Peers (DAP) in his freshman year played a pivotal role in his Delabrton journey introducing him to the brotherhood that would later draw him back to Delbarton. After graduating, Hermo went on to Princeton University, where thanks to his AP Physics class at Dleabrton, he majored in Astrophysics. However, after years in academia, he found himself yearning for a different pace. “Academia drew me into its orbit, but after a few years revolving around dense papers and astronomical work, I needed some time away," he shared. Now, Hermo has traded research on stellar dynamics and asteroseismology for teaching middle schoolers in Delbarton’s Science Department, with Mr. Peter O’Connell guiding him in this new chapter. In between classes, he continues his involvement with the DAP, championing inclusivity and the brotherhood that shaped his experience as a student.

Jabbour’s connection to Delbarton began early, attending school events and sports camps with his father, a proud Class of ’92 alumnus. As a student, he fulfilled his dream of playing Varsity basketball for four years under Coach Dan Whalen. “My fondest memories at Delbarton are of playing basketball. The friendships and bonds I made are unforgettable.” Though Delbarton’s academics were challenging, Jabbour credits the support of faculty and staff for his success, which helped him graduate from Marist College with a degree in finance. Now back as a teaching fellow, he’s excited to give back to the Green Wave. “Teaching and coaching in the place that shaped me is truly special. It’s my chance to support my Delbarton brothers just as I was supported.”

Fortenberry credits Delbarton’s emphasis on academic independence and its rigorous, well-rounded curriculum for preparing him to excel at Drew University, where he studied Anthropology and Psychology. Now back at Delbarton as a teaching fellow, he’s taken on the rewarding challenge of coaching middle school soccer while also teaching his favorite class from high school, Social Justice. “It’s been amazing,” he shares. “I love teaching my students what I learned here just a few years ago.” In addition to coaching and teaching, Fortenberry plays an active role in the DEI program, contributes to PCDI’s Annual Journal, and assists with grade-level Community and Belonging Workshops. “The DEI program helped me a lot in high school, and I want to give other kids the same space to feel comfortable and heard.”

As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we invite members of the Class of 2021 to apply for this unique post-graduate opportunity to return to their alma mater. The Alumni Teaching Fellow term runs from August to May, offering a meaningful way to engage with the Delbarton community while gaining invaluable experience.

Class of 2021 alumni graduating this spring and interested in becoming a Teaching Fellow are encouraged to contact Assistant Headmaster for Academic Affairs Josh Hartle for more information.