by Sneha Viswanthan

Globe Senior World Editor

Clayton High School has three new teachers for the 2009-2010 school year; Adam Hayward is joining CHS as an English teacher, Angela Carroll will replace health teacher Doris Smith following her recent retirement, and Joyce Bell will replace Dee Blassie as the new learning support director. While they all work in different departments, they share an excitement for working in a smaller, close-knit environment.

“I decided to come to Clayton High School because the faculty wants the best for their students,” Hayward said. “It is a caring environment where everyone wants to push each other to the highest standards.  The philosophy is student-centered. I can’t imagine teaching another way.”
Bell also said that the small size of CHS is a positive aspect of her new job.
“Honestly one of the things I’m looking forward to the most about CHS is the size of the student body,” Bell said. “My previous school had over 2,600 students and I’m really looking forward to a smaller high school.”
Carroll has already had time to become accustomed to the smaller student body and classes at CHS from her experience as an intern during the previous school year.
“I did my student teaching at CHS in the spring with Mrs. Hobick, and I absolutely fell in love with Clayton,” Carroll said. “Everyone was so welcoming and helpful to me. It made for a great experience. With all the resources that Clayton has to offer anyone would be lucky to have the opportunity to teach here. I am definitely looking forward to getting to know all of my students and working with the other teachers.”
The three new teachers have varying experiences and interests that led them to pursue teaching careers.
“Although I know it’s a cliche answer, I really did decide to become an educator because I wanted to help people,” Bell said. “I also enjoy watching students discover their strengths and using them to meet and/or exceed their goals. My career has prepared me for the job as the learning support director.  I was a special education teacher for 11 years and a guidance counselor for 7 years prior to joining Clayton.  The combination of those experiences made me a perfect fit for the learning support job. Not only will I be able to help students with academic concerns, but my counseling background allows me to also focus on the emotional well-being of those served in the learning center.”
Hayward hopes to share his love of the English language by teaching high school students.
“I decided to pursue a career in education because it seemed like a good thing to do, and I’m happy to report that, at least on this front, I’ve been proven correct,” Hayward said. “It is better than other jobs I’ve had–pumping gas, slicing bagels. At times, teaching is almost as exciting as playing the last movement of Mozart’s “Jupiter” symphony–it is very close. I decided to teach English because reading and writing (along with music, of course) has always helped me understand life, and if I can share what I’ve learned with students, then I have not wasted my life.”
Carroll was initially undecided about her career, but chose to teach because of her personal interest in her subject area.
“After I changed my major about eight times, I finally decided that I wanted to go into education. I realized that I wanted to do something that I enjoy, and gives me the opportunity to make an impact on others, rather than going into an occupation just for the money,” Carroll said. “I have always been very interested in health and health issues so it just seemed like a great fit for me.”
The teachers are looking forward to contributing to extracurricular life at CHS. Carroll will be the new freshman volleyball coach this fall. While Hayward and Bell are not sponsoring any activities for the upcoming year, they are interested in being involved in a variety of activities in the near future.
“At the moment, I’m not sponsoring any clubs/activities this year; however, in the future, I’d like to become involved with the literary magazine,” Hayward said.
“I’ve not committed to sponsoring any clubs or activities, but am willing to serve in these areas as needed,” Bell said.
“I have sponsored student Council, Renaissance, and other clubs throughout my career and I’m always up for a new adventure. I’m looking forward to getting involved, meeting as many students and staff as possible, and becoming part of the Greyhound community.”