Twelve new faces roam the halls of Jacksonville High School this year. That`s three new English teachers, three new math teachers, and a new business (Christine Bucher), Spanish (Katie Coles), biology (Sharon Crowder), auto (Ben Schroeder), ASL (Jenna buck) and a new councilor (Katie Laws). Might I add that they are all very proud to be Crimsons?
So, I would like to introduce you to a few of them.
Heather Gerrish, one of the three new English teachers, graduated from Eastern Illinois University. She was also valedictorian of her high school class. When asked what she hopes to bring to her students, her response was, “I hope to bring some fun to a student`s day while preparing them for a successful future.” Which I`m sure we can all appreciate. She also enjoys knowing that every part of her day is meaningful. She expects her students to try to the best of their abilities and keep an open mind about new ideas. Her biggest pet peeve is when students do not participate and then ask for extra credit near the end of the term.
Chelsea Williams, another one of our English teachers graduated from Southern Illinois University. She hopes to bring her love of English to her students. A pet peeve of hers is lining up at the door and being disrespectful. So be nice and sit down! She believes her role in a student`s life is to be a “stepping stone to college and career readiness.”
Mandy Snader, our third new English teacher, graduated from Augustana College. I asked her what it was like being a high school teacher and really admired what she had to say. “It`s like realizing you may be the last adult to have an impact on these students` lives before they enter adulthood.” What she hopes to bring to her students is her sense of spirit and hopes to share with them her own story in education. Her favorite part of being a teacher is being part of something bigger than herself. She`s always wanted to teach English. “I love how it`s a subject that allows the students to talk about themselves.”
Moving on to the new math teachers – Phil Johnson, who graduated from Weslyan University, decided to teach here partly because of our “super cool” math paintings in the hallways. He hopes to bring “energy and creativity” to his classes because he believes “math needs that every now and then”, I would have to agree. Also, just so you all know, his opinion on sleeping in class is “Don’t do it.” Plain and simple. But, if you`d like a few brownie points, “any sort of baked good is greatly appreciated….Pies — I love pie.” He also loves when students “get it” and get excited about math.
`Next, we have Joe Gaines. He graduated from Illinois College. He says being a high school teacher is a “new and challenging experience” which seems to be what all our teachers say. Stop giving our teachers a hard time guys! What he expects from his students is to always “challenge themselves and to stay engaged.” He likes to allow freedom and fun in his classroom, but he will get strict when there`s a need for it. In high school, he played football, basketball, baseball, and track.
Hopefully everyone gets a chance to meet all of these new faces. Thanks to our new teachers who were able to find the time in their busy schedules to answer the lengthy interview.