The New School Year Brings New Teachers To The Classrooms

By Tanjua Damon

With the opening of school right around the corner, enthusiastic teachers new to the Newtown school system arrived at the high school Wednesday for training before the start of school on August 30.

Newtown Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed began the new teacher training for 36 teachers (29 new hires and seven who were hired during the last school year). Each school in the district has new teachers for this year.

At Hawley School, two new teachers will greet students this year. Erin Miller will take over a second grade class, and Jennifer Smalley will teach fourth grade.

Head O’Meadow will have one new music teacher, Joey Walko-Robinson, a part-time instructor specializing in string instruments.

Out of its three new teachers, Middle Gate will have two of them teaching third grade: Kerrie Diana and Tim McGuire.

Out of all the elementary schools, Sandy Hook School has the most new teachers coming in this year. Because the school is adding a fifth grade section, Kathleen Erickson will be the additional fifth grade instructor. In addition, the school will welcome two new first grade teachers, two new fourth grade teachers, an instructor for the Children with Alternate Needs program, and a part-time music teacher.

The middle school will welcome seven new teachers, including new faces in sixth grade English, a seventh grade science teacher, and a new school psychologist.

The high school’s English department will undergo a change this year, with three new teachers: Katharine Dougherty, Jason Hiruo and Cari Strand. The math department will have two new teachers, the biology department will have one new teacher, and there will be a new guidance counselor.

“This is an intelligent group, very focused, reflective and want to make a difference,” Dr Reed said. “Teaching is a very hard job.”

Nervousness and excitement filled the high school cafeteria before the day of training began for the new teachers. All seemed ready to go and interested in learning the missions and philosophies of the Newtown School District.

“This isn’t just an orientation. It’s an induction,” Dr Reed said. “Any endeavor as complex as education is a work in progress.”

Bob Rousseau joins the Newtown team after working in Oxford for two years. He will work at the middle school as a psychologist. He is excited about being in Newtown and a part of the district.

“[Being a psychologist] gives you an insight of kids besides academics. You are able to help them in more than one way,” Mr Rousseau said. “I have heard Newtown has a very good reputation.”

Tara Coelho will work as a biology teacher at the high school and is looking forward to her first year as a teacher.

“I have always loved science,” she said. “I have heard a lot of good things about this district and everyone seems happy where they were here.”

The new teachers bring a variety of backgrounds to Newtown schools. Some have marketing and business or law backgrounds while others have previous teaching experience in both public and private schools. Dr Reed said when looking at applicants for the open positions in Newtown, he looks at people who have done a variety of things.

“I do think it is important for kids to be involved with people who are different form themselves,” Dr Reed said.

All teachers will head back to work on August 24. Students begin school on August 30.