Q: What do you teach at PHS?
A: I teach graphic arts, Drawing and Art 1.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: An old Toyota.
Q: Where were you before PHS?
A: I was at the Wood County STEAM Academy, which closed at the end of last year.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 23rd year in the classroom.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I am looking forward to getting to know my students and helping them create some great art.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I am a published author, artist and musician. I can often be found on stage at the Parkersburg Actors Guild or playing handbells with the Mid-Ohio Valley Ringers.
Q: What do you value in your classroom?
A: Effort!
Q: What is your favorite art piece?
A: Duchamp’s “The Fountain,” because it shows anyone can be an “artist” and that art is open to interpretation.
Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: The students.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: I want you to be the best you can be. If I move your seat or take your phone it’s because those things will help you do your best work. I’m not deliberately trying to annoy you.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: To help students find their voice and use it.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students?
A: Learn all you can both inside and outside the walls of school. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, everybody does, but that’s how you learn the most.
Q: What do you teach at PHS?
A: I teach 9th grade English and I have one honors class.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: My true love has become teaching English and this opportunity to teach it full time became available. My other reason is because I am an alumna of Parkersburg High School and I’m super excited to be here in my old school.
Q: Where were you at before PHS?
A: Jackson Middle School
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 14th year of teaching full time.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I am looking forward to getting to know my students in my classes and learning about them and their interests. I’m looking forward to trying to participate and enjoy a lot of the extracurricular things here.
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
A: I love to walk in McDonough Park with my dogs. I like to read. I love to cook and bake.
Q: What is your favorite book that you would recommend to your students?
A: “To Kill A Mockingbird”, it’s been my favorite since I was in 10th grade.
Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: I love to watch students grow, especially those who don’t have a lot of confidence in their skills and abilities and to watch those kind of blossom. I think that’s probably my favorite thing of all.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: That I hope to be to them, very approachable. If they have a question or concern or something going on that they always feel like they can talk to me about it and that I really do care.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: Because I loved being a student and everything about school. I always loved my classes, my teachers, friendships that I made. I know that teachers made a big difference in my life and I just hope that somehow I also do that in a teeny tiny way at least.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students?
A: Be true to yourself, don’t try to be something that you’re not comfortable being. You’ll be happiest if you just are who you truly are. Do a lot of different things to figure out who that is.
Q: What do you value in your classroom?
A: I value respect for yourself and each other and I value honesty.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add or say about yourself?
A: I’m just excited to be here. I like the saying Once A Big Red, Always A Big Red especially as I get older because I have friends that are still dear friends that I met right here in the halls of this high school. I hope for every person in this school that they also have that opportunity.
Q: What do you teach at PHS?
A: I teach biology and Earth Science.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: I went here and graduated from here and I really loved it. I would like to come back and just improve the atmosphere that’s here and help students learn science, become passionate about science because that’s what I’m passionate about.
Q: Where were you before you came to PHS?
A: I taught seventh grade math at Jackson Middle School.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This will be my second year teaching.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this year?
A: I’m really looking forward to just teaching science since I taught math last year. I love science so teaching science this year is probably the thing I’m most looking forward to.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I really enjoy running and hiking. I run half marathons and 15Ks.
Q: What do you value most in your classroom?
A: Respect.
Q: What is your favorite topic in science?
A: I love biology and specific in biology is antibiotic resistance.
Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: I love when students have their own “Aha” moment and come to an answer by themselves. It’s just really great to see them push through something and come to an answer by themselves.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: I’m very accommodating. I understand each student is coming from a different background and a different place and that I value them and value that.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I just fell in love with teaching when I student taught in college and ever since I’ve been loving it.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students this year?
A: Don’t give up. Even though it might seem hard, school’s important even if you might not use what you use in school outside of school. It’s important to be able to have conversations and be able to understand where other people are coming from. So, I think it’s important to learn each and all subjects.
Q: What do you teach at PHS?
A: Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science Principles.
Q: Where were you before PHS?
A: Wood County STEAM Academy, Jackson Middle School and Edison Middle School.
Q: How long have you been in the school system?
A: This is my 16th year.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I’m excited about the opportunity to introduce fresh material and teach high school students for the first time in 15 years.
Q: What do you value in your classroom?
A: In my classroom, I place a high value on respect, integrity, and hard work. These core principles create a positive and productive learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: What I cherish most about teaching is the opportunity to connect with my students and witness their growth and development over the years.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: I want my students to know that I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of the Big Red family.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Some of my hobbies include practicing yoga, camping, and enjoying quality time with my family and friends.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Austin Powers
Q: Do you have any advice for your students?
A: Embrace failure. Understand that failure is a part of learning the process. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Q: What do you do at PHS?
A: I am a school counselor.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: I wanted a change from elementary, and I’ve never been in high school.
Q: Where were you before PHS?
A: I was at Neale (Elementary).
Q: How long have you been in the school system?
A: It’s been a little over 13 years.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I’m looking forward to meeting new students, and seeing former Neale students.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My hobbies are kayaking and hiking.
Q: What do you value in your work?
A: What’s important is getting to know what students’ needs are and helping them. I want to get them what they need academically and personally.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “Shawshank Redemption,” “The Punisher,” “The Sandlot,” “A Bad Moms Christmas,” and “Dead Poets Society.”
Q: What do you love most about being a counselor?
A: I love working with the students.
Q: What do you want students to know about you?
A: That they can talk about whatever they need to talk about (with me).
Q: Why did you become a counselor?
A: I knew I always wanted to work with kids and this was the perfect fit.
Q: Do you have any advice for students?
A: Be who you are unapologetically and work for whatever it is that you want.
Q: What do you teach?
A: Ninth grade history and 10th grade US studies.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: Being a teacher has been my passion since I was in high school. After being a forensic chemist for a while, I realized that it wasn’t my true calling and decided to go back to my dream of teaching.
Q: Where were you before PHS?
A: I taught sixth grade science in Virginia.
Q: How long have you been in the school system?
A: This is my second full year of teaching.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: With this being my first year, I’m just looking forward to getting through it. You know, building a curriculum and getting to know my students.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I like to do some woodwork and play video games.
Q: What do you value in your classroom?
A: I value knowledge and I want to make sure every student in my class has an opportunity to find success.
Q: What is your favorite time in history?
A: Modern Europe, so basically the time period from the French Revolution leading up through the second World War in Europe.
Q: What do you love the most about teaching?
A: I love the sharing of knowledge and being able to provide information for students that they probably didn’t have before. The aspect of what really brought me into teaching is trying to make each generation better than the last.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: It was something that I’ve wanted to do ever since I was in high school.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: I want my students to see my classroom as a safe space for them to be themselves. Everyone, no matter how different they are, is welcome in my room.
Q: What advice do you have for your students?
A: Be cognizant of what you want in the future. Even though it seems like things might not matter that much today, there is always a bigger picture you should keep in mind.
Q: What do you teach at PHS?
A: Multicat, special ed and World Studies & Civics
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: PHS will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my family’s alma mater. I have so many wonderful memories of my time at PHS, from attending football games as a kid to being a three-sport athlete. Once A Big Red, Always A Big Red!
Q: Where were you before PHS?
A: Blennerhassett Middle School teaching math
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 20th year.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I am looking forward to getting to know my students.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love to travel, camp, and craft. I like to shop and spend money!
Q: What do you value in your classroom?
A: Mutual trust and respect
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Too many to name but here are a few: “Shooter”, “The Notebook”, “Step Brothers”, “Shawshank Redemption”, “The Green Mile” and “Happy Gilmore”.
Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: Getting to know the students and hopefully making a positive impact in their lives.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: That I’m always here if you need something; a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or someone to celebrate your successes.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: So I could have summers off and coach volleyball. I have coached volleyball for over 20 years.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students?
A: Enjoy your time here, make memories, and get involved. PHS has such a rich tradition that I hope you embrace.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or say about yourself?
A: I am married and have two amazing teenage sons. We live in Ohio and I love THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Q: What do you do at PHS?
A: I’m the assistant principal in charge of discipline and I’m also over social studies and CTE classes.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: Just change in my career, got a promotion, come over here to see what I can do to help out the school.
Q: Where were you before you came to PHS?
A: Parkersburg South, that other high school.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: I have taught for 17 years, this is my first year as an administrator.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Restoring old cars, going to car shows.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: “1984” by George Orwell.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: Good question. If they need anything they can come see me whenever they want to, and my favorite color is orange.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I started being a teacher because I really like history and I taught history for all those years, so history and government is kinda my thing.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students this year?
A: The key to success in school is to show up.
Q: What do you do at PHS?
A: I’m the Art 1 teacher predominantly.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: I’ve been an art teacher for 13 years as a middle school teacher, and I’ve always wanted to teach at a high school and now here I am.
Q: Where were you before you came to PHS?
A: Blennerhassett Middle School, then I taught at Caperton for the STEAM Academy.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 16th year.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: All the cool projects that the high school students are gonna make. I’m already seeing some really good drawings and really good artwork, and it’s just like levels above what I’m used to, so I’m really looking forward to that.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I make art and play video games mostly.
Q: What do you value in your classroom?
A: Hard work and kids that actually try their best.
Q: What is your favorite color?
A: My favorite color is green.
Q: What do you love most about being a teacher?
A: Seeing somebody grow and seeing someone change for the better.
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: I’m not as mean as I look.
Q: What caused you to become a teacher?
A: I’ve always liked helping people, and went to school for it.
Q: Do you have any advice for your students this year?
A: Try your best.
Q: What do you teach at PHS?
A: Credit Recovery
Q: Where were you before PHS?
A: Most recently I was at Ritchie County Middle School. Before that I taught in Wood County for 18 years.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: To work with my daughter, Nurse Danielle…who then left to go to Williamstown.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of the classroom?
A: Reading. Travel. I go to Florida as often as I can because I have three grandkids down there. Spending time with my grandkids because I have 10.
Q: What do you value most in your classroom?
A: The students.
Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: Getting to know the students and becoming a part of a community of teachers.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: “Boy On the Wooden Box” and “Milkweed”
Q: What do you want your students to know about you?
A: That I care, I actually care about them.
Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
A: I have four daughters and I didn’t go to college until after I had my girls. I had always, even when I was younger, wanted to be a teacher.
Q: What do you teach at PHS?
A: I teach 9th grade ELA
Q: Where were you teaching before PHS?
A: Before PHS, I taught at Hamilton for 12 years and Jefferson for six years.
Q: What brought you to PHS?
A: I moved to PHS because I thought it would be nice to have a change of scenery, and PHS is my alma mater, so it worked out.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of school?
A: I love to read, listen to music and golf.
Q: What do you value most in your classroom?
A: I value honesty above all else.
Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: I love spending time with great literature. My goal is to help others learn to love reading as much as I do.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: My favorite movie is “Oh, Brother,Where Art Thou?”
Q:What is one thing you want your students to know about you?
A: Yes I know that I look like that guy from “Alvin and the Chipmunks.”
Q:What made you decide you wanted to become a teacher?
A: I changed my major numerous times during college because it’s really hard to know what you want to do with your life at 17. Eventually I realized that I wanted to do something with literature and teaching gives me an opportunity to make a career out of the thing I love to do the most.
