Paul Bimmler currently teaches seventh-grade World Geography, eighth-grade American History, and AP Human Geography at Ursuline Academy. Before coming to UA, Mr. Bimmler graduated from Fairfield University with a Master’s in Secondary Education.
During his time at Fairfield, Mr. Bimmler had the opportunity to swim for the college team while also working as a graduate assistant. Now in his sixth year at Ursuline, Mr. Bimmler continues to contribute to the growth and development of the school by extending his teaching philosophy beyond the classroom in various capacities, including his service as Head Coach of the Swim Team and as an Assistant Coach of the Track Team.
Mr. Bimmler has coached the Ursuline Swim Team for the past five years and has cultivated a deeper understanding of his students’ various personalities and diverse talents, recognizing that students are more than just pupils during their time in school. This perspective has sculpted Mr. Bimmler’s approach to teaching, as he aims to acknowledge the individual strengths and passions of his students.
Mr. Bimmler has also volunteered his time by assisting the Track Team, even though he had no prior experience with the sport.
“I would ask some of the students on the team: ‘What do all of those symbols on the track mean?’” he recalls.
He mentions the school’s mission, Serviam, and his interest in helping out the community through these extracurricular activities.
One aspect of teaching that Mr. Bimmler enjoys most is the inquisitive nature of his students. Watching his students grow in their thought processes, questioning and analyzing material in more detail as they mature academically through the years, is incredibly fulfilling. Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Bimmler has embraced all challenges that have come his way and has seen them as opportunities that allow him to continually learn and grow alongside his students.
Mr. Bimmler greatly appreciates the welcoming and inclusive environment of Ursuline, for which he was especially grateful when he first began teaching at UA. He recognizes the strong sense of community among the students and staff.
“You meet people who have such a great fondness for the school; it was a very welcoming community to join. It’s cool to be a part of fostering the community and continuing to welcome those teachers coming into the field here at Ursuline.”
One of Mr. Bimmler’s favorite traditions at Ursuline is the Serviam anthem sung by all of the students after Mass, a moment that defines the spirit of service and community within the school.
Paul acknowledges the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which interrupted many of these cherished traditions. Since students have returned to school, he has been enthusiastic about the students rekindling and reconnecting with the Ursuline community after a difficult time.
“It’s a new challenge that a lot of places are facing,” he says, “but it’s cool to see the community continue to grow and to see more of the students drawn into these traditions and pulled into the community. It’s not just about wearing the uniforms.”
Last summer, Mr. Bimmler spent his free time teaching swimming lessons, and this year he will be teaching a summer program for students in Milton.
