NEW FACES

Welcoming new staff is a frequent occurrence here at Edgewood, but this year, we definitely have some more new faces than usual. With fourteen new additions to the team, there's plenty to learn about all our new teachers.

Ms. Beth Murphy, a new member of the Spanish department, is no stranger to Edgewood. She taught Spanish at Edgewood from 2007 to 2009, and she is excited to be returning as an Edgewood teacher after taking a break to spend more time with her children.

"I love working here!" says Murphy. "Since I worked here before, I knew what a great school it is. I really love the students here."

This is Al-Shihabi's first year teaching, but it isn't her first time at Edgewood. Remarkably, Al-Shihabi is a former student here, who graduated only recently and has returned upon hearing about an opening for a Spanish teacher. Being a former Edgewood student, her experience as a new teacher here is unique. Many of her past teachers are now her co-workers. Everyone on staff has been super friendly and supportive according to Al-Shihabi. On top of her connection to the staff, Al-Shihabi shares a unique connection with many Edgewood Spanish students.

"In my class, I welcome mistakes as I know that they are a vital part of the learning process," says Al-Shihabi.

"For the previous two years, I had tutored math from basic addition up to AP calculus BC, which gives me at least a little experience with a wide range of math subjects to pull from," says Walker.

Curiously, math tutoring isn't the only thing Walker has been up to in the past year. In fact, he just recently made his theatrical debut!

"I was in an unlicensed, virtual Phineas and Ferb parody musical that was released earlier this year," says Walker.

Many students might recognize another one of our new math teachers, Ms. Melinda Niemeyer, who has been faithfully substitute teaching at Edgewood for years. Niemeyer used to work as a full-time teacher, but in recent years has been focused on raising her children while substitute teaching on the side. Working at Edgewood reignited Niemeyer's passion for teaching, and she is excited to return to full-time teaching with her new perspective.

"I believe that my life experiences from then to now will make me a better teacher. I have gained an understanding of both the student and parent point of view," says Niemeyer.

The pandemic has made teaching much more complicated. There have been many obstacles that teachers have had to overcome in the past year.

"I have learned that sometimes you just need to sit down and take a breath amid all the chaos," says Stansbery.

Kufner hopes to build up her students' confidence and make sure the learning environment is positive.

"I think teaching/learning should be fun," says Kufner.

Incorporating games and songs are some of the ways Kufner uplifts the mood in her class and helps her students realize that math doesn’t have to be a chore.

“I’ve had more than one kid look at me and say ‘Mr. Artura, I’m just here for breakfast, lunch, and WiFi’... and they would do the absolute minimum to maintain a grade,” says Artura.

Artura believes he ultimately did his best to be a helpful and supportive teacher, but adapting to such a new environment was difficult at first.

“It wears on a teacher because you take every kid’s grade personally because you always feel like you could do more… is there a different way to reach this child? To motivate this child, or help them see the importance in what I’m trying to teach them,” says Artura.

Artura is excited to soon become a certified educator and continue teaching. Additionally, if the chance came up, Artura would be happy to teach at Edgewood. “If [this] path leads me to teaching here at Edgewood, I wouldn’t mind that at all,” says Artura.

On the cafeteria staff, there are several new members this year. We are welcoming Ms. Anna Osterhaus, Ms. Gina Argano, Ms. Tara Barck, and Ms. Samantha Greer.