Have you ever seen a woman strolling through school dressed as a Christmas tree? No? Then maybe you’ve spotted Marie Antoinette casually roaming the hallways. Still no? Surely, you’ve heard the unmistakable clang of dozens of keys and turned around to find a woman wearing a shirt covered in at least 50 of them. Now, what if I told you that all of these were the same person? And what if I told you she isn’t just any person, but one of the best history teachers The Pingry School has to offer?
Linda Sees’ love of history wasn’t something she picked up in school—it was something she lived. “My dad’s a Vietnam veteran... my grandfather fought in World War II... my uncle was part of the Cuban Missile Crisis,” she shared, flipping through old photographs. From an early age, history wasn’t just something she read about; it was embedded in her family’s stories, shaping her worldview long before she stepped into a classroom.
Raised in a household where U.S. presidents filled the walls of her playroom and summers were spent with family in Puerto Rico, Ms. Sees’ curiosity about different cultures and time periods grew. She initially considered a career in veterinary medicine, dabbled in dreams of working in a museum, and even spent time on Broadway. But fate (and a master’s degree from USC) led her to the classroom, where she has been inspiring students ever since.
At Pingry, Ms. Sees is more than just a teacher; she’s a storyteller, a mentor, and a source of endless energy. Whether she’s dressed in elaborate historical costumes, wearing a key-covered shirt, or passionately discussing the intricacies of the past, she makes history come alive in ways no textbook ever could. Her love for the subject isn’t just about the past—it’s about how history shapes the present and the future.
But Ms. Sees’ impact on her students goes far beyond the walls of The Pingry School. What sets her apart is not only how she teaches, but how she carries herself every single day. “I don’t think anything inspires me. It’s just who I am,” Ms. Sees said with a smile when asked what inspires her to remain so positive and cheerful. Even on tough days, she believes in protecting others from negativity. “Other people shouldn’t feel negative energy ever, right? If you’re feeling that way, find a way to contain it.”
Her students often describe her as someone who brings light into every room, but Ms. Sees is quick to deflect, insisting that it’s simply part of her personality. “I do have bad days... but I don’t take my issues out on other people. There’s no reason not to be happy and cheerful when you’re with others.” This quiet philosophy of choosing kindness and positivity regardless of circumstance has earned her the admiration of countless students, many of whom remember her as one of the most genuine people they’ve ever met.
For Ms. Sees, it’s never been just about delivering content; it’s about connection. From her lifelong best friend whom she met at age four, to the relationships she’s built with students years later, Ms. Sees values people above all. “I guess I’ve just never changed,” she laughed. “My friends say I’ve always been like this.”
Her friends might say she’s always been this way, but students know it’s not just a personality trait—it’s a gift. Walk into her classroom, and it’s immediately clear that this isn’t a place where you’re going to be staring at the clock, counting down the seconds until class is over. Laughter, music, and the occasional prop or costume are all fair game. Whether she’s passionately reenacting a historical moment, handing out cow stickers, or yelling at kids to stop schmagegging, Ms. Sees makes sure every lesson leaves a mark.
Her approach blends personality with preparation. “At a place like Pingry, you need to be an expert in your subject,” she explained. With a background in art history, political science, and years of experience, she brings new and creative ideas into her classroom, challenging students to think and care deeply.
Even after tests are graded and the semester comes to an end, students often find themselves stopping by her office just to talk. Whether it’s about college advice or sports updates, or just to ask her about the newest Barbie added to her famously large collection (yes, Ms. Sees really does have an entire room in her house dedicated to just her Barbie collection), her office remains a home to comfort and curiosity. That same warmth extends into her teaching. “I think that if Ms. Sees could have it her way, she would want us to just sit down and learn history, rather than have us take a test on it,” one senior reflected. “She wants us to actually enjoy learning—wants us to be engaged with the world and with each other.”
Even while interviewing her, Ms. Sees' vibrant energy was contagious. We had only a simple 15-minute chat, but it felt hours longer. I hung onto every word she spoke, and even when we had interruptions, it was always easy to get back into the rhythm of our conversation. As I looked back at the transcript of our interview, I would smile instinctively—it was like I could feel her presence in the room. Her passion radiates so naturally that it lingers long after the moment has passed.
Her unshakable spirit, humour, and heart are exactly what make Linda Sees unforgettable. Decades from now, long after the last class ends, students won’t remember every single historical date she taught. But they will remember how she made them feel. Heard, seen, and inspired.
Because at the end of the day, Ms. Sees doesn’t just teach history. She is a part of Pingry history. And if you’re lucky enough to hear her laughter from down the hallway, you’ll know you’ve crossed paths with someone truly special.
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Photo by Natalie Gonzalez
To contact the author: Leila Souayah