Kelly Young in a sixth grade classroom at Evans.
Over 30 preschool staff members spent Monday and Tuesday subbing across the district. This was the result of cancelled classes at Pickwick Early Childhood Center for four days due to high student illness numbers.
Kelly Young, a veteran preschool teacher, taught sixth grade math on Monday and Tuesday. Although math isn't her area of expertise, "it's good to have a different perspective."
A second year teacher at Pickwick, Bethany Harp spent Monday at Douma and Tuesday at Eisenhower teaching music and art to fourth and fifth graders. She loved the elementary experiences. She even had a former preschool student in her class on Monday. "The student was excited to see me and make that connection," said Harp. "The older grades are more challenging from a preschool perspective but there is so much that comes from subbing." She loves learning classroom management strategies from her teacher peers. "It's cool to see the continuum from preschool to elementary." The experience also confirmed for Ms. Young that she is meant to be a preschool teacher. "I think the creative side of me is drawn to preschool."
"I am thankful to the numerous staff willing to support our substitute needs across the district," said Dave Harper, Executive Director of Operations and Human Resources.
Bethany Harp at Eisenhower Elementary