Now that summer is here and Edge High School’s Summer School session is complete, we have a little time to slow down and get to know some of the people that make Edge a special place to learn. We recently chatted with Rob Pecharich – a familiar and friendly face that is known by every Edge student.
What is your role and how long have you been at Edge?
I currently serve as District Principal and Executive Director at Edge High School. In August I will be starting my 24th year at Edge!
What was your favorite subject in high school and why?
Math was always my favorite subject in school as it helped me think critically and develop better reasoning abilities. To this day, I appreciate math as a vehicle to think critically about the world around us. While I always loved math, I have to give some love to the drama classes I took in high school. I am an introvert who was painfully shy and insecure as a child. Drama helped me get out of my comfort zone, gain confidence, and is responsible for my eagerness to pursue things that help me grow and stretch myself.
When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
After college I took a second job at Edge as a teaching assistant with no real thought of a career in education. However, I had a vice principal (shout out to Cathi Sivilli) at Edge who became a significant mentor in my life and convinced me to go back to school to get my teaching certificate. The opportunity to instill joy into the learning process really is what solidified my calling to be an educator. I knew at the end of my first year as a classroom teacher at Edge that I had found my career.
What do you love about working at Edge?
Without a doubt, the reason I love working at Edge is both the students and staff. Our students are such creative and thoughtful scholars and I love witnessing the “aha” moments and the transformation that is really required to graduate from a self-paced school. Our staff is a collection of passionate educators who genuinely care about the students we serve and are constantly striving to improve their craft. I enjoy observing our teachers’ success as they implement things they are learning to improve their teaching.
What are some albums/music groups that you listened to in high school?
Yikes! Well, this will certainly date me. Hmm. Musical groups I remember being obsessed with in High School include: Pearl Jam, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, The Fugees, Alanis Morissette, Live, U2, and Joan Jett.
What else would you like us to know about YOU?
I love exercise, being outdoors, and food! I am a big University of Arizona basketball fan. I’m an introvert who has learned to situationally be an extrovert. I don’t like chocolate or the smell of popcorn.
Edge teachers and staff are experts at helping our students reach their graduation goals – and they do it in a friendly and nurturing learning environment. Learn more about Edge and enroll today.
About Edge
EDGE is a Cognia accredited, tuition-free, charter high school, with two campuses in the greater Tucson area. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with our blended curriculum and flexible morning or afternoon class schedules. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Be you. With us. At Edge.