With a new year starting, come new teachers. Starting at a new place is always hard, so many wonder just how the new teachers are settling in.
Freshman Volleyball Coach and PE teacher Shannon Paton had help settling by asking questions and receiving assistance from the PE department. Paton appreciates fellow teacher and coach Danielle Hauch and the supportive department for being able to answer her questions. Before teaching here, Paton studied physical education at Illinois State University and worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Crunch Fitness. To help relax outside of school, Paton enjoys spending time with friends and family in her spare time.
From the Social Science department, Casey Swanson arrives for his first year of teaching. Before this job, Swanson attended Illinois Wesleyan University and worked as a coach and at a golf course. Swanson enjoys talking about his worries and thoughts to his colleagues in order to help deal with the stress. “I have settled in very comfortably. The staff and administration have done a great job making the transition smooth,” Swanson said.
The importance of having a good backbone for a new job is important for newcomers so that they feel welcomed into the position. Swanson also likes how welcoming and energetic the staff and students are.
An addition to the foreign language department this year is Shelia Lostumbo. For over 25 years she has had various teaching roles including elementary, reading specialist and English Learners teacher. “It’s always tough adjusting to a new job, and having friendly, supportive people around me has been a huge help,” Lostumbo said. Something that has been helping Lostumbo is her colleagues for being supportive and helpful.
Having a good environment through the school by students and administration is very helpful to the new teachers so that they can have the smoothest transition possible. With open arms, we welcome and help these new teachers.
