Note: Not all new teachers were interviewed.
It is a new school year, and a new year means fresh faces. These new faces are not just students but teachers as well. Teachers are the most important people in the school for the students’ experiences and education. We must welcome them with open arms to get them warmed up to the school as soon as possible.
Some may have noticed that the school is huge. There are a ton of students, and it is easy to get lost when you are new to the school. Of course, this may pose a problem for new teachers.
Ms. Arin David, who is in her first year of teaching, teaches Photography I and Photography II at both Washington-Liberty High School and Yorktown High School. She is a native Virginian who hails from Chantilly. David usually keeps to her room but is trying to explore the school.
“I normally just stick to my one hallway, the art hallway, but I could not find the auditorium earlier today, so I’m gonna go look for that again.” Ms. David said.
David is also very impressed with her photography students.
“All [of] the students who are taking photography are really talented, and that definitely sticks out to me,” David said.
Mr. Griffen Hill, a Rhode Island native, taught eighth-grade earth science in Massachusetts before coming to the school. Hill went to Holy Cross, a small college in Massachusetts. Washington-Liberty High School and Holy Cross are actually roughly the same size.
“The school’s about the same size as the college that I went to, so it definitely is an adjustment,” Hill said. “I think it’s gonna be a while before I get to know all the teachers, but I like it so far. There’s always something interesting [going on].”
It is tough to get settled into a new school as a teacher, so Hill has been very appreciative of the help from other teachers.
“The teachers have been super helpful [with] helping me with curriculum and getting me acquainted with the school in general,” said Mr. Hill. “The teachers have been really nice and welcoming.”
Mr. Hill teaches Physics I and AP Physics I. He has been happily surprised to see the quality of his students’ character and their interest in the course content.
“The students have been great too so far. I was kind of nervous moving to the high school level, but the kids have been great,” said Mr. Hill. “I’m really impressed by how interested a lot of the kids are in the content that we talked about. It’s good to see that these students here like to go above and beyond and are really interested in learning.”
Ms. Maya Boulware, or Ms. B as her students call her, taught in Walford, Maryland, last year and is now at the school. She teaches Geometry and Algebra I. The school is the largest school where Ms. Boulware has taught, and she is embracing it by exploring a new floor each day.
“I’m still learning the floors. I get lost at least once a day, and I love it,” said Bouleware. “I get my steps in, but I love the school. This is the biggest school I’ve ever worked at, so I take time every day to try to figure out a new floor that I haven’t been to.”
Boulware is enjoying getting to know her students and is embracing the school spirit.
“Every school I work at, I just love the kids. The new personalities, their quirkiness, [I love it],” said Boulware. “I like this school specifically because a lot of the students are really dedicated to working. The big football field has also stuck out to me. I’m a big football fan, so I’m hoping [we] win a lot of games this year.”
These teachers all have their own unique personalities and interests. They are humans too! As students, it is important to get to know your teachers and to build a relationship with them. Each of these teachers was asked, “What is one thing you want people to know about you?”
David loves her morning coffee and wants students to give photography a try.
“I’m pretty chill after I have my morning coffee and my afternoon coffee. I also want people to know photography is fun and they should take it,” said David.
Hill absolutely loves all sciences but thinks chemistry is just fine. He also has hobbies like playing guitar and reading.
“I’m super passionate about science in general. I love to talk about any branch of science. Obviously, I teach physics, but I love biology and earth science too. Chemistry is OK,” said Hill. “Outside of work for hobbies, I play a lot of guitar, I like to go for runs, and I read a lot.”
Bouleware is a Batman superfan, with Batman decor all over her room. Of course, she also loves math and has a serious interest in it.
“I am a huge Batman fan. My classroom is covered in [Batman stuff]. I have it tattooed on my neck. I love that man. My room is really the Bat Cave,” said Bouleware. I’m really good at math, [and] I think it’s fun. I chose this profession because I wanted to, and also, come to my class anytime, please.”
High school is an uphill battle and a tough journey for students. Teachers realize this, too, as they went through high school as well. Each of these teachers was asked to give one piece of advice for students at the school.
David stresses the importance of pacing yourself and not burning out.
“Pace yourself. Take it slow. It’s OK to take a break, but after your break, continue,” said David.
Bouleware wants students to know that the high school experience is short and that they should make the most of it by joining clubs and sports.
“Being a teenager means you want to look cool, but even the corny stuff can be the most fun experiences. Join any club that you could possibly join, try any sport that you could possibly play, and have the best time because you only get a short experience in high school. It’s a good adventure,” said Bouleware.
Hill urges students to put effort into at least one thing, even if it is not school-related.
“I would say in life you have to try hard at something. Even if school isn’t that thing, you have to pick something and you have to try hard at it,” said Hill. “Even if school isn’t your thing, pick one thing and give it your all. Don’t go through life half trying.”
