School staff is constantly switching due to teachers switching schools or professions and here at Doherty High School we have many fresh staff, substitutes, and teachers in training. During this beautiful warm start to fall we have had the chance to interview and speak with just a few of the many new teachers and counselors at Doherty.
Mrs. Debelak, a Counselor.
Firstly, Mrs. Debelak is one of the new counselors here at Doherty High School. She said, “I was a substitute teacher at the elementary level for a few years. This is my first job as a school counselor! I am currently in graduate school finishing my masters.”
Secondly, we asked why did you choose Doherty? She told us, “I was able to do a practicum (short internship) at Doherty last spring. I am excited to be working with this population of students and on a team of amazing counselors and staff.” Why did she pick Doherty? “Why did I decide to become a school counselor? A few years ago, I was a foster parent and gained valuable insights into trauma-informed care. This experience sparked my interest and passion for mental health and supporting children. I spoke with several clinical and school counselors to understand their roles better. Currently, I am pursuing certification as both a school counselor and a clinical therapist. I chose the school setting because I want to advocate for and support students within the educational system.”
And finally, we asked “I am excited to be here at Doherty. I am thrilled to join this school and help develop systems that address its diverse needs, ensuring students have access to opportunities and support they may not otherwise receive.”
Mrs. Kuettner, Astronomy teacher.
Another new teacher, Mrs. Kuettner, an Astronomy teacher here at Doherty, was asked how long have you have been teaching? Mrs. Kuettner said, “I have been teaching for about one year – I was a student teacher for a semester at Palmer and started at Doherty in January. This will be my first full year at Doherty.”
Secondly, we asked why/how come you chose Doherty. She said, “I picked Doherty because I went to Doherty and wanted to give back to this incredibly special place. I love Doherty’s mission, morale, and staff, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to come back and help create that same atmosphere for current students.” Why did you pick the subject you are teaching? I am an absolute science nerd, and I have been since middle school. I always have wanted to have a career in science, so I studied biology and education in college; now I get to share what I learned teaching Biology and Astronomy.
Finally, how do you feel about Doherty Highschool/How do you feel about the students? And Mrs. Kuettner answered, “I love Doherty! Like I said, Doherty’s atmosphere and culture is awesome. The students and staff are all kind, helpful, and live out We Before Me. I love the spirit and enthusiasm students have for their activities and other extracurriculars.”
Mrs. Carawoundy, School Psychologist, Teacher Mentor.
Our final of the first group of new teachers, Mrs. Carawoundy who is a School Psychologist here at Doherty, was asked how long have you been teaching. Mrs. Carawoundy has been teaching and doing her job in multiple districts for about 21 years but is fresh staff to Doherty.
We asked did you taught anywhere previously before Doherty? Mrs. Carawoundy taught at Chipeta Elementary school. Why did you pick Doherty? “Because I wanted to help fresh staff and mentor Mrs. Lee.” Why did you pick the subject you are teaching? Mental health/school psychologist. How do you feel about Doherty High School/How do you feel about the students? “It’s a very welcoming school, I haven’t met many students or had the chance to interact with many students.”
I was able to interview Mrs. Carawoundy because Mrs. Polly was recently in the hospital and extremely sick.
Mr. Bridgmon, Athletic Trainer.
First, Mr. Bridgmon, who is an athletic Trainor here at Doherty, was asked why he chose Doherty, he stated, “Because the other schools weren’t good enough for his kids” We asked why he chose to teach or go into his profession.
He told us “I didn’t know what to do till college.” He also told us that “He likes working with kids and giving them opportunities that they may have not had before.” He stated, “I have been an athletic trainer for a long time and working with the students at Doherty has been a new experience for me.”
Mr. Zoubek, an English teacher.
Mr. Zoubek is an English teacher, he told us he has been teaching for 20 years and moved here from Chicago. He shared with us that “He wrote for magazines before coming to Doherty and sold snacks at a local baseball park.”
Mr. Zoubek told us “When I was in high school, I was super shy and did not enjoy talking to people and I had a great teacher that helped me come out of my shell.” Mr. Zoubek said, “I want to help other kids get out of their shells and express themselves more confidently.”
Ms. Armstrong, Yearbook Advisor, English teacher.
Firstly, we asked Ms. Armstrong, who is the new yearbook adviser and an English teacher here at Doherty how long she has been teaching. 21 years. She said, “I started coaching when she was 20, and I used to be a server and bartender.” Ms. Armstrong stated, “I was going to go teach at Wasson High School, but I decided to transfer to Doherty to teach instead.”
We asked her about her opinions of Doherty High and some of the students, and she said, “I enjoy teaching here a lot and it is a unique school; I love getting to meet new students and bond with them.”
That summarized our interviews with our new staff at Doherty Highschool. We are very grateful we got to speak with them and hope they feel welcomed and happy at our school! Stay tuned for more next month.
