New year, new teachers
September 20, 2012
Jacksonville High School has seen a number of new teachers begin this year. Our enterprising reporters dug up the most interesting information about each. In no particular order, meet the new staff of JHS.
Tim Chipman
Where did you go to college? Illinois College, BS; University of Illinois Springfield, MA.
How many years have you taught? Eleven.
Where else have you taught? Triopia, Turner, and Riga Gymnasium #1 in Latvia.
What subject/field do you teach? English.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or the high school? The multiple opportunities for engaging in musical, artistic, religion, and knowledge-worthy endeavors.
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Impacting student learning though sound practice and inspiring exchanges.
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? Exposing too much skin wearing a school inappropriate cut-up T-shirt on the JHS stage during the No-No Style Show.
Melinda Burrows
Where did you go to college? Eastern Illinois University – Bachelors, SIUE- Masters.
How many years have you taught? I have taught for 28 years. I am starting my 29th.
Where else have you taught? Franklin Elementary and North Elementary.
What subject/field do you teach? Currently teaching in the English department as a Special Ed teacher and co teacher.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or the high school? The teachers and staff have all been friendly and helpful. Also, I can actually use a tray and silverware instead of a spork and aluminum container.
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Getting to know the students and being an effective co-teacher with me partners.
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? I haven’t had one yet, but stick around because I’m sure one will happen.
Cassie Braniff
Where did you go to college? Western Illinois University (Graduated in May).
How many years have you taught? This will be my first year teaching.
What subject/field do you teach? English.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or the high school? The communities of Jacksonville and JHS are very positive and amiable; I feel right at home.
What are you looking forward to in the school year? All the after school activities and games!
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? The most embarrassing moments I have are when I forget a student’s name or call them by the wrong one. I always feel terrible!
Adrienne Hawkins
Where did you go to college? Southeast Missouri State (SEMO!)
Where else have you taught? Student taught at Springfield Southeast.
How many years have you taught? This is my first year!
What subject/field do you teach? Science: Biology and Physical Science.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or the high school? I love all the school spirit!
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Homecoming week.
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? Getting lost almost every day the first week.
Laura Bohlen
Where did you go to college? University of Illinois Springfield.
Where else have you taught? Student taught at Lanphier High School .
How many years have you taught? One.
What subject/field do you teach? Physical science and biology.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or the high school? The students are awesome!
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Getting to know my students, the faculty, and staff and growing professionally as a teacher.
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? I asked two teachers from my department for help because the pen to my Promethean board wouldn’t work, and they told me that it was because I had to yell the word “activate” into the pen… I almost did and was completely embarrassed that I believed them!
Dan O’Connor
Where did you go to college? Illinois College.
Where else have you taught? Student taught at Winchester.
How many years have you taught? One.
What subject/field do you teach? Math.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or JHS? The choices of restaurants are very good.
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Developing my teaching skills as well as learning as many students’ names and making an impact with all my students.
Most embarrassing moment since starting here? Not being able to answer the phone because the button was stuck.
Victoria Taylor
Where did you go to college? Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Where else have you taught? I student taught at Edwardsville High School.
How many years have you taught? One.
What subject/field do you teach? Science.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or JHS? I’m new in town but the food selection is huge!
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Figuring out everything JHS has to offer.
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? I was talking about how sunflowers respond to the sun but blanked on the name of the flower. My 6th hour corrected me and got a good laugh.
Lynda Drake
Where did you go to college? Undergrad at MacMurray and Masters at University of Illinois at Springfield.
Where else have you taught? Illinois School for the Deaf.
How many years have you taught? Seventeen years.
What subject /filed do you teach? American Sign Language.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or the high school? It’s a great school with some great teachers.
What are you looking forward to in this school year? Getting to know the exceptional students and my fellow teachers.
What is your most embarrassing moment since you’ve started teaching? Nothing yet.
Ginger Troyer
Where did you go to college? Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Where else have you taught? Sacred Heart Griffin.
How many years have you taught? Seven.
What subject/field do you teach? Spanish.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville of the high school? I went to high school here so my favorite thing is feeling at home and seeing some of my former teachers.
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Helping students learn a new language.
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? No response.
Rachel Olson
Where did you go to college? Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Where else have you taught? Lafayette Academy in Jacksonville.
How many years have you taught? Two years.
What subject/field do you teach? American History and Geography.
What is your favorite thing about Jacksonville or the high school? The awesome students I have in class and the ones I’ve met so far.
What are you looking forward to in the school year? Partaking in all of the exciting school functions.
Most embarrassing moment since starting teaching here? Being mistaken as a student.
