In His Element: Meet Jericho High’s New Chemistry Teacher, Mr. Powell

BY ALISHA KHAN ’29

Jericho High School welcomes its newest member of the Science department, Mr. Brett Powell. Mr. Powell is currently in his element here at Jericho, where he teaches three sections of Regents Chemistry. 

Mr. Powell studied at Binghamton University for both his undergraduate studies in chemistry and his graduate studies in education. Mr. Powell was also raised in New York and went to high school on Long Island. He explained how, in comparison to the high school that he went to, Jericho has many more opportunities, like a higher course selection and more clubs.

So far, Mr Powell has had nothing but positive experiences at Jericho. He said, “Coming here, it’s been a really great community with the teachers, aides, custodians, and everyone I’ve met has been supportive and helpful.” 

Ever since Mr. Powell was in seventh grade, he knew he wanted to do something in science. He said, “As a kid, I always loved little model kits. I used to love playing with science things like growing crystals just because I liked knowing how things worked.” 

Mr. Powell loved all science subjects, but once he got to chemistry, he knew that he loved it the most. He said, “I just loved [chemistry] because sometimes it’s hard to see, but it’s the reason everything around us is the way it is.” 

He also found his love for teaching in Home and Careers. “Teaching is this thing where you get to work with people and help people, and I just always loved that interaction,” Mr. Powell said. 

Outside of school, Mr. Powell enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. Overall, his transition into teaching felt natural, and he was comfortable stepping into a welcoming and kind atmosphere at Jericho.