by Hannah Mooney

Willow Springs High School welcomed several new teachers last year: Ms. Susan James, Mr. Brett Kuhlmeier, and Mrs. Linda Weatherford. Now that their first year of teaching is over, they had a few thoughts to share with The Educator.

What are your overall impressions of the high school after your first year?
Ms. James: I love how they focus on each and every individual student. We  have wonderful students.
Mr. Kuhlmeier: I am truly amazed at how education has changed. Education has become data-driven; the focus in on answers instead of solutions. The erosion of critical thinking skills was  something I was not prepared for. Finally, there are many more students today who do  not like to read. Ray Bradberry predicted many of these changes in Fahrenheit 451.
Mrs. Weatherford: I think there are a lot of very friendly students and teachers here at Willow Springs. The teachers really care about the students’ well-being and education. I also like the size of the school. I’m a small-town girl at heart.

How does your teaching job at Willow Springs differ from your teaching job at your previous school?
Ms. James: I was in the elementary building teaching second and fourth grade as well as Title I math, so the students are much bigger. It is fun to be able to carry on a conversation with teenagers every day.
Mr. Kuhlmeier: The expectations, standards, morals, and ethics are more evident at Willow Springs High.
Mrs. Weatherford: I’ve always taught middle school before. Last year was my first time teaching high school students. I also taught English every year, but now I don’t teach English at all.

What was one thing you’ll never forget that happened during your first year at Willow Springs High?
Ms. James: Our Algebra black light CSI Investigation activity. Everyone loved it!
Mr. Kuhlmeier: I will never forget the kindness many of my students showed me at the end of the year. I received a nice card from a young lady thanking me for “my point of view.” A more personal accomplishment was that I finished my research paper on April 9, and presented it on May 6. It was time-consuming and hard work, and it was something I did not think I was capable of doing.
Mrs. Weatherford: The thing that struck me the most was the change that came over the seniors during and directly after senior project night. They seemed so proud of their accomplishment. It made all the work worth it!

It appears these three teachers really learned a lot from the students and faculty at Willow Springs. Clearly, they all love this school and already have fond memories from their first year teaching here.