MALVERN, PA — For the first time in 43 years, longtime Great Valley science teacher Kathleen Crisi did not set her alarm for the first day of school. After four decades in the classroom, she has retired, leaving behind a legacy that continues through her daughter, Carlyn, now in her third year teaching in the same district where she grew up.
The Crisi family’s ties to Great Valley run deep. Kathleen’s late husband, Ben, taught in the district for more than 25 years before his passing in 2006. His memory is honored annually through the “Mr. Great Valley” competition, which raises funds for the Crisi Character Award scholarship benefiting graduating seniors of exceptional character.
Kathleen began teaching in 1981, moving from middle school to ninth grade, where she taught biology and earth science and served as science department chair for 33 years. She said the relationships built with colleagues and students made the career deeply rewarding.
Carlyn, a Great Valley High School alumna, credits her mother’s creativity and commitment as inspiration for her own career path. Today, she teaches sixth grade in the district, emphasizing relationship-building as the foundation of her teaching style.
“It’s nice to talk to my mom about ideas and thoughts, and still have that connection even though she’s retired,” Carlyn said.
Together, the Crisi family’s more than 70 years of service represent a lasting dedication to education in Great Valley, underscoring the belief that strong relationships remain at the heart of transformative learning.
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