Former History Teacher Julson Etienne Is “Super Beneficial” to Malden High School’s RISE Program

Ariana Edwardsen and Kayla Turner also contributed to this article.

Julson Etienne, a former U.S. History I teacher, has returned to Malden High School as a new addition to the RISE program.

Etienne, who originated from Haiti, obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston and did a teaching residency. As stated in a previous article about him, he worked with preschoolers at Jump Start Preschool, and volunteered teaching newcomers at the Educational Development Group prior to teaching summer school at Malden High School. 

Unfortunately, when Etienne was hired as a history teacher, he had been on an emergency certificate, only allowing him to work temporarily. “He called me at the beginning of last year and said he got a certification. We had a position open, so we hired him into that position,” Principal Chris Mastrangelo stated.

Etienne is patient, empathetic, and flexible, and will lead him to being “very successful in the [RISE] program,” added Kurtis Scheer,  Teacher Leader of the History Department. 

“I think having somebody like Etienne working both in the Social Studies Department and in the RISE program is a huge asset to the school,” Scheer expressed. “Finding folks like him that are willing to go outside the box is rare, and I think Etienne is definitely able to take on all challenges regardless of what they are,” he concluded.

“He’s got a lot on his plate and he’s able to do it with a smile on his face and make sure that everyone’s happy and comfortable,” Douglas Racette, a Pathways teacher, shared. 

Etienne’s Haitian heritage proves helpful to his work. “When we have more students who are coming to our program that may be learning English or struggling to adjust to a new type of environment, his experience of moving to a new country is something that can be helpful to those kids,” Racette expressed.

Overall, Etienne is a joy to work with and a valuable addition to Malden High’s faculty; his consistency and friendliness shine through the RISE program. 

About the Author

Priscarla Villefranche

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Priscarla Villefranche is a fifteen-year-old sophomore attending Malden High School. So far, she has had a good experience at Malden High; she likes it better than middle school and thinks it's been calm so far. She is studying journalism this year because she thinks it will help make her better at writing and speaking. She was also influenced to try it because of her dad, who works in journalism. When she looks to the future, she sees herself becoming a travel nurse. Part of the reason she decided on this job is because her mom is also a nurse. Priscarla also one day wants to move to California after she becomes a registered travel nurse because she likes the weather and culture there.

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