History
Karen Johnson - History/Department Head
BA University of Rhode Island
Mrs. Johnson teaches Psychology I and II, Western Civilization, and Youth and Law.
William Tyson Edmonds - Social Studies
BA, Social Science, St. Johns University
In addition to teaching World History Mr. Edmonds heads the Recycling Club, and coaches the boys' Cross Country Team.
MaryAnn Houlihan - English/History
BA, Salve Regina University
Ms. Houlihan has been at Prout since 1999 and currently teaches U.S. and Modern U.S. History. Ms. Houlihan was the senior class advisor for the Class of 2006. A member of the Newport Democratic Committee, a mental health volunteer, and a recipient of the Boys Club of Newport community service award. Ms. Houlihan enjoys playing tennis, reading, skiing, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Michael LaBarbera
BOS, University of Rhode Island
RI Teaching Certificate,RI Coaching Certificate
In addition to teaching U.S. History and Global Studies at Prout, Mr. LaBarbera is also moderator of the Mock Trial team. A former professional baseball player with the Montreal Expos, Mr. LaBarbera coaches the boys' varsity baseball and boys' junior varsity soccer teams.
Michael McFarland
B.A. History, Burlington College
M.A. Liberal Arts, St. John's College
Mr. McFarland came to Prout in 2006 after teaching in public and private schools in Florida and Vermont. He has experience teaching a wide variety of Social Studies and English courses and will be teaching AP US History, World History, Economics and Creative Writing. In the past summers he has studied at the Florida Holocaust Museum and participated in a NEH seminar on Islamic history at the University of Michigan. A native of Michigan, he enjoys the outdoors and reading.
Thomas E. Keefe
BA, History/Comparative Theology, Saint Joseph’s University
MA, Diplomacy/International relations, Norwich University
Mr. Keefe attended Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. While at SJU, Mr. Keefe earned the Lyndon Baines Johnson Award for Congressional Internships and worked at the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Keefe completed his degree in both History and Comparative Theology, then matriculated at Miami University in Ohio where he studied secondary education in social studies. Returning to New England, Mr. Keefe taught English, religion, and history at Espiritu Santo School in Fall River and completed his Master’s in Diplomacy at Norwich University in Vermont. In seven years at LaSalle Academy in Providence, Mr. Keefe taught scripture, world religions, history, psychology as well as an introduction to law and politics. In addition, Mr. Keefe successfully coached the debate and swim teams to the state and division championships respectfully. Mr. Keefe also facilitates summer educational workshops in social justice for Catholic teachers. He is a member of the national Regional Formation Board of the Christian Brothers Conference.
Joseph Abarr
B.A. History/Secondary Education, University of Rhode Island
Mr. Abarr comes to the Prout School after two years of teaching in public schools. Mr. Abarr graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Rhode Island in 2009, receiving the President’s Award for Student Excellence in History. As the 2011 recipient of the James Madison Fellowship, he will begin pursuing his Master’s in History this spring and will study at Georgetown University this summer. In addition to teaching Western Civilization, Economics, and Government & Law, Mr. Abarr is also the girls’ junior varsity soccer coach and an assistant coach for the boys’ baseball team. A 2005 graduate of The Prout School, he enjoys reading, fly fishing, and mountain biking.