Tim Blok is the new assistant director of Middle School and a Middle School fine arts teacher. He brings his experience as a grade level dean and Fine Arts department head. His first teaching job was at UPrep, and he is entering his 10th year in education. Along with his new role, Tim will also teach Orchestra and Band I. He is a talented teacher, master of ceremonies, advisor, student advocate, musician, and organizer. Tim has a huge passion for our Middle School, bringing energy and enthusiasm to student life.

Why did you become an educator?

I really loved participating in music all through school. It took a few years to decide on a major in college. I got plugged into music education and kept on going. I had a lot of siblings and cousins and talking to young people and helping them take the text step always came pretty easy to me. With music education, my focus has always been on making music together. Nine years later, I am hooked on working with students. One of the things I find so fascinating is helping students as they grow and develop during their time at UPrep. It is a privilege to support students and work with colleagues behind the scenes to help our Middle School students develop into high school students.

Tell me about your love of music.

I played piano from an early age. I played trumpet and French horn in middle and high school band and joined choir my junior year of high school. I love choral singing—that’s where I have the most fun. I’m part of a local choral group called Radiance and I am a soloist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. I'm a fan of Baroque and Renaissance music, as well as contemporary music. I love when old and new sound worlds collide. Nico Muhly, one of my favorite modern composers, does that especially well.

What do you love about the UPrep community?

So much of the teaching I have done has been collaborative co-teaching, both in music and theatre classes. I love getting to collaborate with so many amazing people as a grade level dean and a department head, too. My colleagues are the most dedicated and interesting and creative and fun people. I appreciate that people are here to help students and provide a space that is welcoming to everyone. I appreciate that I am continually learning from coworkers. Every year has been different, and things never stay static.

What do you think it is important for new families to know about UPrep?

The dedication of the faculty and staff. Every person will go the extra mile or miles to support students and to find opportunities to engage with them in different ways. There is so much more happening here beyond the learning in classrooms. People want to get involved and show up both in and outside of the classroom. I really have appreciated having colleagues who are excited to participate in a musical or be part of a faculty and staff choir for a concert.

What parts of your new role as Assistant Director of Middle School are you excited about?

I am excited about getting to work more closely on student life and ensuring that the Middle School is a vibrant place outside of the classroom. There are so many ways the school tries to know a student and meet them where they are at and help them take the next step in their learning journey, both in and out of the classroom. For example, in the Club Program, students bring a part of themselves that might not naturally show up elsewhere and they have a space to talk about something they care about with other students. There is a vibrancy in Middle School life that is compelling, and we continue to try to find new ways to help students bring their whole selves to school. I’m proud of how we do this, and I am grateful to get to continue to work on this.

How do you unwind?

My partner and I moved to Georgetown last September after buying a house. I love gardening and I finally have a garden! I usually see how things are doing each morning and again when I get home. I grow vegetables and ornamentals, and I spent a lot of time in my garden this summer. I love reading. My favorite recent read is A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders. I needed to read something that would be humanizing, and this book, which is essays paired with stories by Russian short story writers, delivered. When I was growing up, my mom took us to Barnes and Noble to get a book at the end of every school year. This year, I took myself book shopping and I picked up Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard and the new novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun.

Read more Leaders to Learn From articles