Twelve teachers coming from near and far, have joined the West Linn staff this year. Most noted they came to West Linn because of a excellent community and the reputation of the school system.

The twelve are:

Where did you work previously?

My previous position was as a substitute teacher and as an apprentice teacher at Arcata High School in Arcata, Calif. I received my Bachelors and my Teaching Credential at Humboldt State University.

Why did you decide to come to West Linn?

I chose to try my luck at West Linn because I love the area, and because this high school has a reputation for its excellence in students and teachers that I very much wanted to be apart of.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

I hope that at the end of this school year, I build up my experience and abilities as a passionate educator and became an active part of the West Linn community.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I am a complete foodie! My wife is a chef, so I love to eating interesting and succulent food! I am an active runner. I was the captain of varsity cross country team in high school and have run in variety of marathons in Humboldt County.

Where did you work previously?
I was teaching high school in Middletown, RI before starting
at WLHS this month.

Why did you decide to come to West Linn?
I decided to come to West Linn because it was such an amazing
opportunity! I had been hoping to move back to Oregon for a while and
feel really fortunate to be able to work with the students and faculty
at West Linn.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?
I hope that my students will get excited about the French language;
learning it will open up a world of opportunity to them.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?
Two things most people don’t know about me: I used to live in a former
German WWII army hospital in the Bavarian Alps; I’ve driven
cross-country a lot: 12 times— alone twice and my super tolerant cat has
traveled with me nine times.

Where did you work previously?

I worked at Sherwood Middle School (1999-2006) before doing disaster relief work down in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. I met my future husband, got married and moved to Houston, Texas where I was a middle school counselor for the last six years.  I received my B.A. in Physical Education at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia. I received my M.Ed in Counseling from University of Houston.

Why did you choose to come to West Linn?

I grew up in Portland and after living in hot, humid Houston for eight years I wanted to move my husband and four year old daughter back to be close to my family and close friends.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

I look forward to getting to know students and just being a part of such a great school that has such pride in its academics, co-curricular activities and traditions.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I was adopted and I love good coffee so much I would be considered a coffee snob.

Where did you work previously?

I worked at Rosemont Ridge Middle School for 14 years and now I am ready for a challenge of teaching at high school.

Why did you choose to come to West Linn?

This is something I’ve been thinking about for several years, just kicking around in the back of my mind. Todd Jones, up at the high school, has always encouraged me to move up there with him. He said I’d really enjoy the kids up there. It’ll be really cool to see some of my old students. In general, just really looking forward to having that connection to old Rosemont.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I am going to still coach middle school track. I go to Outdoor School.

Where did you work previously?

I previously taught in Ohio.

Why did you choose to come to West Linn?

I moved here because my partner came here.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

Want to learn a lot, get to know students, stay sane and go to lots of events/activities.

Where did you work previously?

I was a Canby High School Health Teacher (last seven years), attended Concordia University and am currently in my Masters program at American Public University.

Why did you choose to come to West Linn?

West Linn provides students opportunities in course offerings what most school don’t. West Linn has manageable class sizes and support to make sure students are successful.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

A sense of community and a new home.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I ran cross country in college and I love to cook.

For the past four years, I have taught at Urban Prep Academies, an all-male public school on the South Side of Chicago. I attended the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon.

Why did you decide to come to West Linn?

I chose to come to West Linn because the teachers at the school are experts in their craft and I felt that it would be an excellent place for me to learn. The school culture was also a big draw.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

This year, I hope to give students the opportunity to think critically about their world and to take away a deeper understanding of themselves, their country, and the issues that surround them.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I have run two Chicago Marathons, and once in St. Louis my parked airplane was hit by a tornado.

Where did you work previously?

I spent the last seven years at Newberg High School as a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. I have a Bachelors degree in Journalism from Indiana University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University.

Why did you choose to come to West Linn?

I felt like West Linn was the best fit for me because of the great staff and the focus on college prep. I hadn’t met any of the students yet, but they seem pretty cool too.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

I want to get to know my students and help them become confident scholars. And get better at juggling.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I played bass in a band in college, and I once rode on a camel.

Where did you work previously?

Skyline High School (Sammamish, Wash) Masters in Education: Portland State-Bachelors: University of Oregon.

Why did you choose to come to West Linn?

West Linn is an excellent community and school system.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

Provide my students with the tools they need to be successful both inside and outside the classroom.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I hate pudding, and I love using meme’s in the classroom (when relevant).

Where did you work previously?

Went to Lakeridge, University of Oregon, Marlyhurst and Pacific.

Why did you choose to come to West Linn?

Came to West Linn when I played football and I loved the environment. It is a friendly community and I felt welcomed. It also has a top notch special Ed program.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

Hope to help students learn and grow.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I went to Lakeridge and I played football.

Where did you work previously?

I came from Central California three years ago. I have been a math instructor for over 25 years. I was a manager in the Aerospace Industry in the 1980’s and 90’s.

What do you hope to achieve this school year?

I hope to get a good feeling for the students at West Linn high school and perhaps they will get to know me better. I have a lot to offer students in their math education and perhaps some small guidance for their futures.

What are two things most people don’t know about you?

I was a high level professional beach volleyball player which helped me travel many places in the United States and the world. I was awarded the High School Most Inspirational Teacher award in 2000 from the Mayor of Los Angeles, Calif.