It might be their first teaching position or maybe they just wanted a new challenge in their careers. Several teachers have joined the Lancaster High School family this school year. Eye of the Gale interviewed a few of the new teachers about why they wanted to work at LHS and what their experience has been like now that the first quarter is coming to an end.
LHS intervention specialist and girls JV basketball coach Adam Grein came here from middle school and said that one of the draws to teaching at the high school is the new building.
“When the job I am currently at became open, I knew that it was too good of an opportunity to pass up on and needed to make the move now. I always planned to eventually move up to LHS from junior high. With the new building coming, it seemed like the perfect time,” he said.
“When the job I am currently at became open, I knew that it was too good of an opportunity to pass up on and needed to make the move now. I always planned to eventually move up to LHS from junior high. With the new building coming, it seemed like the perfect time,” he said.
Librarian Megan Meyer said that she, too, was ready for a change.
“There was an opening in the LHS library, and I was looking to try something new! I previously worked as the library media specialist at General Sherman for the last fourteen years,” she said.
Special Education Supervisor Roger Murphy and first-year teacher Anthony Smith said they looked forward to coming back to their Lancaster roots.
“I wanted to challenge myself to do something new. I had been teaching for ten years previously at Pickerington Central. I am a 2009 alum of LHS. I’ve always wanted the opportunity to come back home and to give back. This was the perfect opportunity for me to do just that,” said Murphy.
“As an LHS graduate, this school has always felt like home. During my time here, I developed a real interest in the subjects I now teach and was lucky to have teachers who encouraged and supported me. Their guidance played a big role in helping me to find my path in education, so coming back to LHS felt right,” said Smith.
New social studies teacher Colin Allen said he was eager for a fresh experience after spending his entire life in Texas.
“I came to LHS to see something new. My wife and I had lived in Texas our entire lives, so we wanted to branch out and experience a new area. We are loving it so far,” he said.
“The thing that I have enjoyed the most about LHS so far is the sense of community. From the students and staff everyone has been great and seems to care about the school as well as the community,” he said.
Several teachers interviewed agreed that one of the best aspects of teaching at LHS is the people who work and attend classes here.
“Working with the staff and students. Both have been great so far with the transition,” said Murphy.
“It is great to be surrounded by such a kind and supportive staff. I am also loving the students. It has been fun seeing students I know from junior high,” said Meyer.
“I really enjoy seeing former students from Sherman and how much they have grown as people. I also enjoy seeing how much pride our students have in our building and being a Gale,” said Grein.
Changing jobs can always present difficulties. Some of the new faculty said that they are taking it step by step so that nothing falls through the cracks.
“Making sure everything is in order with the new job; the transition has been smooth up to this point,” said Murphy.
Meyer said that she would like to make changes to encourage more students and staff to take advantage of all that the library has to offer.
“I would love to see more students and staff using our library. I want the library to be a hub of activity! I am working on finding ways to get the word out about all of the things we have to offer in our library,” she said.
Grein said one of the challenges for him is growing accustomed to something lacking in the building.
“No air conditioning,” he said.
“This actually hasn’t been as big of a challenge as I anticipated it would be. The biggest challenge has actually been familiarizing myself with where classrooms are and the different bell schedules,” said Grein.
After 34 years teaching at Groveport, Scott Stevens said that he came out of retirement to teach in Lancaster.
“So far I enjoy everything about working at Stanbery. Especially since I only have an eight-minute drive to work. There are really good people at Lancaster—both staff and students,” he said.
Although most staff and students are probably looking forward to being in the new high school, there are some aspects that make LHS special.
“School Spirit! This is the place to be, and they make it feel like home,” said Murphy.
“I appreciate all of the staff and students who have gone out of their way to help me feel welcome. I also appreciate some of my AP study hall students who are always willing to help out with any task I give them,” said Meyer.
“I like and appreciate how friendly everyone has been to me so far this school year. The staff has treated me very nicely, and it has been great to see former students that I have not seen in a few years,” said Grein.
