First days aren’t just for students, teachers too can experience what it’s like to be new in a school.
With new beginnings comes new friendships. New teachers have said that teachers in their departments have been most helpful with her transition to South High.
“The entire science department, Mrs. Gebhard and Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Hill, and so many other people who are just kind and helpful,” new science teacher Sarah Schmidt said.
Many of the new South High teachers feel confident and comfortable with their fellow co-workers in their department, as well as administrators.
“The teachers in the World Language Department have been a big help in my transition as well as Mrs. Perkins, Dr. Wilhelm, and Mrs. Pappas-Muyco,” Spanish teacher Carly Hampton said.
Some other teachers have also experienced a helpful transition to South High with the administration, as well.
“Our admin/leadership team is empowering and understanding. The Social Studies department has also been helpful as well,” social studies teacher Ryan McArthy said. McArthy is a 2013 South High graduate.
Before their time here at South, many of these new teachers have worked with the other school districts for many years before committing to South High.
“I chose to move to the Parkway School District a few years ago. I was at North High the last two years,” French and Spanish teacher Dana Moore said.
While some of these South High students are new faces to the school, others are returning.
“I taught here from 2005-2015, and then I was a curriculum coordinator until last year. I really missed working with kids, so I decided to come back to PSH,” business teacher Amy Boscan said.
After teaching for a few weeks, many teachers developed a new-found comfort for the students and staff at South high.
“South High is a special place and I am happy to be here. My last school was great too and I am excited for a new adventure,” Schmidt said.
While some teachers felt that South has given them happiness, and others have given happiness to South.
“I felt most excited about giving back to a community that supported me,” Hampton said. Hampton was a South High student, as well.
Overall, the motives for teaching the youths of our country (not specifically regarding South High,) differ from educator to educator, ranging from the effects on the community and the students, teaching impacts most aspects of society.
“As our world changes and our community becomes more diverse, the skills it takes to effectively appreciate and collaborate with others also increase,” said Hampton. “I became a teacher because I’m passionate about empowering students to know themselves so that they can effectively engage with others, especially those who have different cultural and linguistic backgrounds and life experiences.”
While admitting the challenges of teaching, the positives of interacting daily with South students are apparent. To new teachers, first impressions tend to determine the attitudes they will have towards their career at the school and the students.
“The students are fun and engaged,” said Hampton. “They always give their best each day they walk in the room, which really goes a long way.”
A major challenge to new teachers will be getting used to new surroundings. While being open to adjusting to South and its environment, adapting to your surroundings will always be difficult in new situations.
“I miss my students from North. I would have kids say hi to me and say they missed me,” said Moore. “I don’t have that comfort level here yet. I’m hoping to have it in the future.”
While many new teachers were familiar with the St. Louis environment and surrounding areas our new teachers have found fun ways to enjoy the area outside of schools.
“I am hanging out with my family,” said Schmidt. “We love being outside and going to the zoo.”
While the balance between school and home life can be a common predicament for our students, teachers can understand the importance of organization in and out of the classroom.
“Having a healthy balance between work and personal life while using efficient time management skills are key aspects that I am still trying to improve on,” said McArthy.
Now regarding the rest of the school year, who knows what awaits. Our new teachers seem to look forward to a common goal.
“Getting to know my students! It has already been a pleasure to meet them and I am looking forward to building relationships with them,” said Hampton.
Unfortunately, many teachers failed to respond to the google form. Only those who responded were mentioned in the article.
