Dr. Catherine Fox, a new to Bishop’s English teacher, reflected on her feelings joining the community, saying, “It is with immense pride that I join this talented group of natural-born teachers.”

When Dr. Catherine Fox’s students walk into her classroom, it is immediately clear that she is not looking for the student with the flashiest interpretation or the boldest answer. In a school known for its high-achieving students, Dr. Fox sees intellectual humility as Bishop’s hidden strength — students willing to admit what they don’t know, listen deeply, and learn from one another. 

Since joining the English Department this year, she’s been shaping her classroom into a space where generosity and deep engagement with texts matter more than quick answers or showing who’s “smartest.” Ryann Halsey (‘28), a student in Dr. Fox’s English II class noticed immediately that in discussions, Dr. Fox looks for signals of eye contact and building off each other, rather than to one someone up, “I can tell she looks for eye-contact and for me to invite someone into the conversation. It is refreshing because usually it is who has the best analytical comment”.

Dr. Fox’s background is extensive — and unexpected. After studying and earning her PhD in Comparative Literature and African American Studies at Yale University, Dr. Fox taught internationally at Hong Kong University. After coming to San Diego in 2023, she began subbing at Bishop’s, and for a short time (to fill in for a teacher on maternity leave), taught AP English and Creative Writing at Cathedral Catholic High School.

When Dr. Fox reflected on her time at Bishop’s before becoming a full-time teacher, she immediately recalled how students made her feel in the classroom, “They were open to learning from me even though I was not their regular teacher. That humility and openness are marks of maturity.” 

Dr. Fox was also able to join the faculty at Bishop’s without it being a completely foreign place: “I had a huge advantage joining Bishop’s after being a sub because I was familiar with campus and some aspects of the campus culture.” However, she continues to express her motivation to learn more and connect with the community, and most importantly, her gratitude towards being a part of the tight-knit group of students and teachers. “It is with immense pride that I join this talented group of natural-born teachers,” she said. 

How Dr. Fox felt definitely didn’t just go one way. When fellow English teacher Ms. Kara Crawford was asked about her first memory with Dr. Fox, she smiled and said, “[I] met her through the notes she left after substituting — they were the most thorough notes ever.” Ms. Crawford, along with many other teachers in the English Department, including Ms. Sara Islas, noticed immediately how in-tune she was with the students. 

Dr. Fox has an unique way of integrating into the Bishop’s community. She has been able to first meet the faculty in a way that most don’t — through their lesson plans and management in the classroom while being a substitute teacher. Ms. Crawford highlighted this as her strength, saying, “because she has subbed for so many of us, she actually has a broader perspective and knows more about our different approaches to curriculum.”  

Beyond her connections with the faculty at Bishop’s, Dr. Fox has expressed her values and expectations in the classroom. She has made her desire to become a teacher that students can rely on and trust noticeable. “Some years back, I learned that the Latin word humanitas originally meant ‘kindness.’ As a teacher in the humanities, I think good teaching comes from kindness and cultivating a generosity of spirit in the classroom,” Dr. Fox said. Ryann mentioned, “Dr. Fox makes me feel more confident in my work, I feel very supported by her with any questions I have.” 

Dr. Fox’s genuine love for teaching has made an impression on the faculty at Bishop’s. Ms. Islas recognized how her sincere love for teaching radiates onto everyone around her, and said, “When you are a teacher, you really want to help people fall in love with the material, and I feel like she demonstrated that every time she covered for me.” In small moments, even before she became a teacher here, Dr. Fox has been dedicated to spreading her love for the subject of English. 

As her first year unfolds, Dr. Fox continues to draw on both her international experience and her time as a substitute here at Bishop’s to shape her role in the community. With a focus on humility, kindness, and intellectual engagement, she is establishing a classroom that reflects what she first noticed as a visitor — one that emphasizes listening, learning, and lifting each other up.