Pat Farrell 

instructor, mathematics, statistics & computer science
21 years

For 21 years, Pat Farrell P’08 devoted himself to teaching mathematics, statistics, and computer science—not just as a job, but as a calling. And his students felt it. “Your love of math was contagious,” said Richie Zhang ’16.

One of Farrell’s signature phrases, “Life is like a sine curve, with its ups and downs,” has become one of Zhang’s cherished mottoes, a testament to Farrell’s passion for sharing the joy of math.

When Farrell began teaching, he quickly realized the power beyond solving equations. “When I proved the quadratic formula to students, I realized that no one ever explained to me why math worked the way it did. This was a game-changer,” he says. 

His fascination with the “why” became central to Farrell’s teaching approach. From explaining probability in everyday decisions to how compound interest affects savings, he loved showing students the real-world value of math. In Math 380, his favorite class, he witnessed “students rise to the challenge” of increasingly difficult problems.

“You teach in a way that turns mathematics into a fun journey of exploration . . . and you give us some of the most thought-provoking problems that are actually incredibly fun and rewarding,” said Alice He ’25 in a handwritten thank you note.

Farrell’s journey to Phillips Academy began when his daughter, Kate ’08, chose to apply. In his research, he found himself drawn to Andover’s Mathematics & Science for Minority Students summer program—better known as (MS)²—where he started teaching in 2004. “I realized that this is a school trying to do something special,” he says.

Through the years, students have appreciated Farrell’s calm, kind, and nurturing approach. “Your BC Calculus class was my favorite and inspired me to become an engineer,” said Caitlin Clancy ’13. 

Farrell made lasting contributions beyond the classroom as well, including coaching track for 17 years, serving as a faculty leader on the Spring Break community engagement trip to South Carolina from 2005 to 2010, mathematics department chair from 2010 to 2013, and dean of faculty from 2013 to 2019. Farrell ran Johnson House for eight years with his wife, Karen, and served on key committees, such as the Andover Anti-Racism Task Force and Senior Administrative Council and was interim director of Summer Session in 2024.

In retirement, Farrell looks forward to spending more time outdoors doing everything from hiking to clearing walking trails. One aspiration is to travel to Philadelphia to visit his son, Dan, who works as a software engineer for the Department of Homeland Security, and to Rio de Janeiro, where his daughter is teaching math. And he will continue to share his love of mathematics, whether it be tutoring or part-time teaching appointments.

Lou Bernieri

instructor, English; founder & director, Andover Bread Loaf
48 years

As a teacher, mentor, coach, and friend, Lou Bernieri P’96, ’10, has had a remarkable Andover tenure. Known for his unwavering passion for the power of the written word, he leaves an indelible mark on generations of students, writers, and educators.

Bernieri's journey at Andover began in the late 1970s as an English instructor and house counselor in Foxcroft Hall. Quickly, he became a beloved presence, known for his infectious enthusiasm, deep intellect, and exceptional ability to connect with students. 

His roles as a teacher and department chair (1986–1988) were just the beginning of a career dedicated to shaping young minds. It was his founding of Andover Bread Loaf (ABL) that truly cemented his legacy.

ABL, launched in 1987, began as a teacher program but quickly expanded into a transformative writing initiative for students. Under Bernieri’s guidance, ABL became a model for empowering young writers, particularly in under-resourced communities like nearby Lawrence, Massachusetts. In ABL’s Writing Leader Program, students not only honed their writing skills but also became community leaders, running workshops, organizing conferences, and even presenting at prestigious institutions such as the Aspen Institute and the National Council of Teachers of English. 

Family Literacy Nights, an outgrowth of ABL, started in Lawrence and have since spread to places like Navajo Nation, New Orleans, India, and Pakistan.

“Whole families, from 2-year-olds to grandmothers, sit together and write poetry and share poetry together,” enthuses Bernieri. “It’s amazing to see families share their work among themselves and then at a mic in front of 100 people. It’s really electric.”

Bernieri, who earned a BA in English at Harvard College and MA in English Literature at the Bread Loaf School of English, has been recognized for his outreach efforts—many from Lawrence. In 2013, the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence awarded him with the Jeannie Menucci Award; in 2015, the Lawrence History Center awarded him with the Ertha Dengler History Award; and in 2016, Middlebury College presented him with a Doctor of Letters for his contributions to Andover Bread Loaf in Lawrence. “The awards from the community of Lawrence are really dear to my heart,” he says.

Bernieri was also a force in athletics. Coaching football, indoor track, and outdoor track for many years, he instilled discipline and confidence in his athletes, many of whom still recall his encouragement and fiery spirit.

“He was an incredibly inspiring coach,” said Billy Kheel ’92. “On the field he was intense and passionate, but off the field he was an artistic soul, spreading creativity across the Andover campus and beyond.”

Whether reciting Theodore Roethke’s poetry on the football field or reading Maya Angelou in the sanctuary late at night, Bernieri made literature come alive and constantly challenged traditional education norms. “Lou was the rare mix of intellectual and jock,” David Daskal ’79 recalled. “He encouraged us to take the hardest courses, and on the football field his passion and enthusiasm were infectious.”

As Bernieri steps into retirement, his influence remains woven into the lives of those he taught and mentored. From the classrooms of Andover to the community of Lawrence and well beyond, his impact is enduring. “Lou has not only touched many lives but also many hearts,” said Graham Anthony ’82.

For Bernieri, teaching was never just about lessons—it was about transformation. And for that, his endeavors have empowered thousands of aspiring writers and poets worldwide.

Mike Kuta 

head athletic trainer; instructor, athletics
44 Years

Whether at the rink, on the playing fields, or chatting on campus pathways, head athletic trainer Mike Kuta P’12 has spent 44 years not just taking care of students—but truly caring for them. He often quotes Theodore Roosevelt: “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

From sprained ankles in volleyball to ACL tears in football, Kuta has tended to countless injuries with patience and a reassuring smile. But his impact extends far beyond athletic training. His support and compassion have left a lasting impression on generations of student-athletes.

Tom Hamel ’10 reflects, “I am so grateful for his tireless efforts to keep us healthy while also educating us for life beyond Andover. His leadership—encouraging, supportive, yet demanding our best—has stayed with me.” 

Alex Apgar ’17 echoes this sentiment, calling Kuta’s “empathy, attention to detail, and ceaseless smile” hallmarks of his character.

For Andrew Smith ’87, MD, Kuta was “a key figure in shaping my life. His presence on the sideline showed me the power of a trainer who truly cares—and it helped guide me to a career in sports medicine.”

Kuta’s journey at Phillips Academy began in 1981 as a Northeastern co-op student, shadowing and assisting athletics department personnel; he returned as a teaching fellow in 1983 when athletic training was still an emerging field. Over four decades, he not only grew with the profession but also helped shape the department at Andover. What started as a three-person operation in a small room in Borden Gym has expanded into a five-trainer team working across four state-of-the-art training rooms, including one at the ice rink, where Kuta spent many winter afternoons.

“What I love about athletic training is the immediate impact on our student-athletes,” says Kuta. “Students can measure their progress daily, and for long-term injuries, we help them set short-term goals so that kids can mark progress and stay well-motivated. We’re taking care of the whole athlete.”

Beyond athletic training, Kuta has worn many hats—athletics director (2007–2014), house counselor, day student advisor, and longtime director of Summer Session’s activity program as well as coordinator of Andover’s summer soccer camp. He has also led the school’s biannual blood drive for 40 years and played a vital role in Commencement planning, each year unrolling his hand-drawn map of the Commencement procession.

As he steps into retirement, Kuta looks forward to lots of flyfishing and summers at his Maine lake home with wife Susan and their three adult children—Joe ’12, Jenn, and John.

Kuta’s legacy of care will live on in the countless students he has influenced.

Thayer Zaeder ’83, P’17

instructor, art
27 years

Working with clay is an addictive process,” Thayer Zaeder ’83, P’17, tells his students in Advanced Ceramics 502 as they observe, with surprise and delight, their freshly fired pieces—from tiny vases to colorful teapots.

Zaeder’s connection to Andover is unique, shaped by his many Academy identities: faculty child, student, instructor, coach, and parent. His father, Rev. Philip Zaeder P’79, ’83, served as PA’s Protestant chaplain and later as an English teacher and dean of faculty; his mother, Sylvia Thayer ’54, P’79, ’83, was a cluster dean. For one special year, Zaeder and his dad taught together before the latter retired in 2000. In addition to instructing art and helping raise his children, Sylvia and Eliot ’17, Zaeder was a cycling coach for 22 years, a house counselor for 15 years, and chair of the art department.

“I feel like I got a really broad exposure to all the nooks and crannies of Andover,” he says.

In the bright basement rooms of Benner House, Zaeder cultivated a relaxing space for students, often playing reggae music while conversing over clay. “I try to hold students to high standards, but I try not to make art stressful,” he says. “I think that would be a mistake if the studio caused any kind of anxiety.” 

Over the years, students have called Benner House “an oasis,” with many describing Zaeder as encouraging, kind, funny, and inspirational. 

“Mr. Zaeder is incredibly skilled,” shared Aleisha Roberts ’22. “I remember watching him in awe, appreciating how time with and love for a craft can turn ordinary people into magicians.”

Alexandra Kim ’17 is grateful for his mentorship. “I took a course of his every semester I could and cherished all the hours I spent in peaceful creativity at Benner House,” she said. “Thanks to his encouragement, I am a ceramic artist today and even show my art.”

With a studio waiting in Maine, Zaeder is excited to begin retirement and focus on his art. “Having worked with students for nearly 30 years and watched them and all their creative energy, that’s put a lot of gas in my tank in terms of exploring my own clay work.”