Solihull School

"As a child in America, I grew up on a steady diet of books about English school boys and their amazing adventures. It was a gift that would shape my very being and instil a lifelong passion for this island’s history, literature, and way of life. 

"Over the years, I would visit England many times, loving every journey, yet somehow feeling I had truly missed out on one of life’s most special academic experiences; the chance to be a part of an English independent school.  Little did I know, that at a time in my life when middle-age was creeping towards retirement, I would form a friendship and receive an opportunity that would change my life.

"I first met Mr Penney at Solihull Station on a bright, sharp, January day in 2014. Our coming together, the result of the fortuitous sharing of a dear, mutual friend, who had been saying to me for years, “You need to meet my friend Mark Penney, the two of you would really hit it off.”  That, was an award-winning understatement - for, in Mr Penney, I found a kindred soul, who shared my values and cherished all that makes England’s independent schools such a treasure.

"While grateful for a long career as a professor and administrator at a large American state university, I often struggled to think of myself as an educator; feeling adrift and unconnected. I assumed I would end my teaching years with appreciation, but somehow missing something – then, I arrived at Solihull School.

"At Solihull, I found myself embraced by academic excellence rooted in tradition, aspiration defined by both intellect and character, resilience and grit enveloped by kindness.  I was greeted by a faculty and staff that emanated a natural joy in their work, a culture of colleagues who sensed that it was an honour and privilege to share the school’s history and values, where perserverantia was as naturally rooted as the iconic beauty of both Warwick Road and Saint Martin’s Campuses.

"Before coming to Solihull School, I had only taught at the university level and was so looking forward to teaching in the Sixth Form.  Mr Penney however, had an additional idea and suggested I also try my hand teaching at the Prep School.  I immediately said yes but, truthfully, was rather terrified – how could I possibly communicate with J1 or J2 students?  All I could think of was the children wondering, “what is this odd American doing in our classroom?”

"While it is deeply rewarding to experience the intellectual savvy and academic poise of history and politics students in the Sixth Form, teaching in the Prep School engaged a completely different side of me – one that I didn’t even know existed! I found that in learning how to communicate with the youngest students, I was rediscovering myself as a teacher.  I was amazed that I could start the morning with a J1 or J2 class, then finish the afternoon with a talk to Sixth Formers! There was such personal and professional satisfaction in these days. 

"I loved the hustling walk from Saint Martin's to Warwick Road – a break between scenes –a teacher, like an actor, going from one great role to the next, happy and joyful, running lines through my head.  A sensation was overtaking me, one I had never really felt before – it felt wonderful – but what was it? 

"And then, I understood, what was happening to me – a dream that I had all but given up had actually come true.  At Solihull School, I had finally become an educator.

"Having Solihull School in my life is a blessing.  While it allows me to give back, it also enriches me.  As long as airplanes keep crossing the Atlantic, as long as there are 36km 'Team Solihull' fundraising challenges to be walked, and as long as this precious school graces England, I’ll always return."

Professor Albin Cofone
Head of the Honors College (ret)
SUNY Suffolk
Selden, NY