Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2009)
12009 P atrick D'A rcy Jr _______ _ staff Reporter This first semester has been eventful. Eight new teachers have joined the staff this year. Each of them have had their own experiences in the first semester, but they have all made it through the first semester. Kevin Egan a new job always involves a period of adjustment for both the students and myself. I think we're still getting used to ea°h other. You have to remember that I took over for someone that many of these students had in class for two to three years. To impose my will or Band and Orchestra teacher Highlights of first semester: All of the highlights have happened very spon taneously; hanging out at lunch or laughing on a bus to some Kevin Egan my event. The best way part about this of doing things in a unilateral place is the people and how fashion isn't what's best for much fun they are to work everyone involved. with. Workload effects on Outlook on teaching: This teaching: You'd have to ask is my 24th year teaching so the students and other folks being here one semester hasn't if the workload has impacted altered too much of what I'm my job. A new gig implies about. West Linn has its own a steep learning curve, but unique feel. I'm still trying the community here is very 1 o take it all in. Ask me what supportive and the students I think of this high school in three years. I figure that's how are very capable. I'm just trying to facilitate the long it will take to figure out continued quality of an a few things. At this point, excellent instrumental I'm just glad that I know program. WLHS has where the A, B, C Porches are had a solid reputation located. for its music programs Best part of job: It sounds for over two decades. trite, but the students are I figure it's my job to what make teaching so much fun. I dig seeing young be the steward of this musicians g r o w ----- and program. develop Reason for coming to and work West Linn: I applied through for the job because I live challenges. in West Linn and one day That's my own children will be in always my class. After talking with been the friends and colleagues that defining part have experienced and of my oyed this dynamic, job. felt I had to at I’m least apply for not the gig. Also, Mr. Cumpston and I have been good friends for a very long time. He and I had a lot of discussions about the possibilities and opportunities very good at sitting through meetings and in services, but I that are a part of this particular program. It seemed could rehearse and teach and like a good time to jump in work with students all day. I the water. still think (almost every day) when I'm walking to work, "I get to do this." Classroom rules: My policies (^aven't changed from the start of the year, but taking on Kathleen Terner Math teacher Highlights of first semester: I have really enjoyed getting to know so many students. The students here are awesome! I look forward to coming to work every day. Outlook on teaching: Every year I get new ideas for teaching. What West Linn has to offer: I have been really impressed with the technology available to students and teachers. Best part of job: I love interacting with students and teaching them something valuable. Classroom rules: General classroom policies are pretty much the same. Workload effects on teaching: amount of work but that is true of any teaching job. Reason for coming to West Linn: I have family in this area and love the city of West Linn. Kevin Mills Math teacher planning I do not feel as if it has affected my performance. Reason for coming to West Linn: I choose to come to West Linn because of the community and great reputation of the school. Heidi Johnson English teacher and Leadership Highlights of first semester: I have had too many memorable moments to acknowledge! One of them was going on a field trip to the Nike campus with my Leadership class; it was a lot of fun. Outlook on teaching: Being here has reinforced my positive outlook on teaching. I am excited to be a part of this school and part of a community that takes pride in what they do. What West Linn has to offer: It was definitely more than I expected. The students here have great energy and positive attitudes, and the teachers are welcoming and have been very supportive and helpful to me. WLHS also has great resources for teachers to utilize and that is very helpful. Best part of job: I love getting to know so many students. It is fun working with everyone and them new things. I seeing the looks on students' faces Kevin Mills Highlights of first semester: I enjoyed getting to know everybody and getting involved with many activities at school. Outlook on teaching: My outlook on teaching has not changed after being at West Linn considering this is my first year teaching. What West Linn has to offer: Teaching here at West Linn has been more than I expected. I have been having a great time and feel lucky to be a part of this High School. Best part of job: The most enjoyable parts of this job have to be the daily interactions with students. Classroom rules: I do not feel as though I have changed any of my policies from first semester to second. Workload effects on teaching: Having a big work load comes with being a teacher and is something that you deal with everyday. With proper organization and Heidi Johnson would be prepared and ready. I guess I would just be getting less sleep. Reason for coming to West Linn: It is a great community and a great school. I would love to stick around this area for awhile. Who wouldn't want to teach here?! Adam Betzelberger History teacher Highlights of first semester: My U.S. history students worked very hard on a newspaper project on industrialization. As a teacher, I greatly appreciate when students take a challenging goal, work hard to achieve that goal, and in many cases exceed my expectations. Outlook on teaching: Students and staff have excellent working conditions. After coming from a less economically advantaged school, one needs to remember the conveniences that make learning and teaching easier. What West Linn has to offer: WLHS has hundreds of computers and a projector in every classroom. Last year I taught at Forest Grove High School. The school had one computer lab with 20 functional computers and four projectors for the entire school. t h e y ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ "g e t' something new. I also like that there is something new every day; it is always entertaining. Teaching what I love is great, too. Classroom rules: Nothing has really changed. Workload effects on teaching: Since I am a part-time teacher, I actually have a lot of time to get things done, which is nice. I am very obsessive when it Adam Betzelberger comes to planning; I always have Photos by Patrick D'Arcy to be prepared, so either way continued on page 13 (part-time or full-time) I New Teachers
