Q: How has Bexley been compared to other schools you’ve worked at?
English teacher Drew Eberly: “I’m impressed by students’ attendance. I’m impressed I don’t see their cell phones. Those are the two most impressive things about Bexley students, coming from other places where that is a struggle. I also see a community that is looking for moments to come together.”
HS Counselor Casey Teeters: “It’s been amazing, definitely as the new guy. It can be a little overwhelming, but it’s a great place to be, and I have a wonderful department, a team of other counselors who have been supportive of me. But truly what I think made it the best is the students. You’re all so unique, passionate about academics, diverse in the things you’re interested in. It’s so remarkable to work with a population like that, and I’m just so excited to be here.”
Q: What has your favorite part of Bexley been?
Science teacher Grace Andrews: “The students—I love seeing them learn, and getting to see them interact with their peers too, and they actually like to come to school.”
Spanish teacher Alina Pinney: “I love the culture of the school and I thoroughly enjoy coming to school every day.”
Q: What lessons has working at Bexley taught you so far?
Eberly: “Not everyone arrives every fall prepared to like and enjoy school, and I’ve learned to work harder but also to be patient.”
Intervention Specialist Jocelyn Browning: “Approaching any new job just being open and humble in your approach…It’s important to be open to new systems. Another lesson is kids are kids everywhere you go, and it’s really easy to build relationships as long as you’re yourself and want the best for kids.”
Q: Have you found community at Bexley?
Intervention Specialist Cari Sullivan: “It’s been wonderful. I love all the people at Bexley. Everyone has been so nice and offering me all kinds of instances. Sometimes I don’t even have to ask for it; sometimes they’re like ‘You need this.’ It’s super nice. The teachers are open and wonderful. I’m just super grateful for the opportunity to be here.”
Paraprofessional Mitchell McCune: “All of the teachers have been super supportive and kind as I’ve been navigating my first job in a school.”
Q: Have you had any notable student interactions?
Browning: “I’ve had a lot of really positive student interactions. I have freshmen and sophomores mostly, so it’s been cool to see freshmen transition from eighth grade. They all seem, at first, really nervous, but I think they’re starting to settle in, so that’s been cool to see.”
Pinney: “ I am grateful for all the student interactions I’ve had in between classes in the hallways, before school and during lunch. I truly enjoy when students share their weekend plans, exciting events in their lives, and accomplishments they are proud of. It not only strengthens our relationship, but enriches our classroom environment.”
Q: What made you want to come to Bexley?
Eberly: “I wanted to live in a progressive community that valued education, and I wanted this community for my son.”
Pinney: “ When I got the opportunity to join Bexley community as the new Spanish teacher, it was an easy decision to make. Collaborating with dedicated colleagues, working in a supportive community and Bexley’s commitment to excellence are a few of the reasons I wanted to come to the high school.”
Q: What are some short or long-term goals you have for your time at Bexley?
Eberly: “I think my short-term goal is for students to routinely enter my classroom and think something is going to happen. You know, just enter with an attitude of ‘There will be something of note, there will be something interesting, there will be something I’ll want to weigh in on.’”
McCune: “Some short term goals are making it through the year. Long term I’d like to get into an intervention specialist position here at Bexley.”
Q: What teaching styles have you learned that are better for students and yourself?
Eberly: “I enjoy a discussion-based classroom where a lot of voices are involved and hopefully there is some laughter.”
Andrews: “Kind of giving some direct instructions and trying to give assignments in different ways. You don’t just want to sit here and take notes the whole entire time; there is a time and place for it, but I also want the hands-on part to be something you can look forward to at the beginning of the week.”
Q: If you were to give any advice to another new staff member or teacher, what would it be?
Teeters: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help because you don’t have to take everything in on your own. When you have things you’re not sure what the answer is, it’s okay to be a little bit more vulnerable to and go ask for advice.”
Sullivan: “ I would say there is no one way to prepare for this position. Just be patient and have a really big heart. Since I have to deal with all kinds of people and schedules, it can get chaotic. You just have to be patient and go with the flow.”
