New Teachers at UHS

The 2012-2013 school year has brought along a lot of changes to Urbana High School – new principals, new deans, new classes, and much more. The most noticeable change, however, are all the new teachers at UHS. In total there are seventeen new teachers, and below is a list of the new Urbana High School staff members and what subject they teach:

Matt Avery – Physical Education
Allison Boettcher-Case – Special Education
Kevin Bugusky – Math
Jesse Farder – Special Education
Jennifer Finch – Spanish
Ryan Green – Science
Erin Harrington – Social Studies
Laura Koritz – English/Social Studies
Breanna Morton – Special Education
James Planey – Science
Christine Rinkenberger – Math
Brian Schmitt – English
Cortney Slavicek – English
Brandon Smith – Special Education
Marc Solodky – Counselor
Kim Summers – English
Joan White – Science/Agriculture

Solodky, Bugusky, and Slavicek were interviewed on what it’s like to be a teacher at Urbana High School.

Solodky is the replacement counselor for Ms. Dambo, who moved over the summer.

This is Solodky’s first professional counseling job. “I chose to work at UHS because it reminds me of where I grew up. In terms of diversity, there are a lot of activities, lots of cultures. So, I like that a lot.”

So far, Solodky likes his job a lot. “I really enjoy it. I enjoy that every day brings new challenges with students and their families. I like helping people.”

Bugusky is also brand new to teaching. He student taught here at UHS last year. He now teaches Algebra II and a study support class for freshmen and sophomores. “Being an actual teacher is different from being a student teacher because I have more control over what I like to do and the students are starting under my learning environment instead of transitioning from someone else’s.”

This new teacher also loves his job. “The best thing is when students have a ‘light bulb’ moment when they really get something. It’s also the best feeling to feel pleased at the end of a good lesson. At the end of the day, I just feel complete.”

Bugusky stated that though he loves his classes, two things he can’t stand are disrespectful students and laziness.

Slavicek teaches Comp 9 and AP Prep American Studies English. She’s also a new teacher, and recently graduated from the Illinois State University. “I chose to teach at UHS because I love the area. I loved Central Illinois while at ISU and I wanted to be able to teach here. The students and faculty here are also phenomenal.”

Slavicek enjoys the classes she teaches. “I love having an impact on the lives of my students and being able to help them and see them succeed.”

Looking at the positive responses from these three teachers, it seems that the new UHS staff are already enjoying their jobs, the school, and are looking forward to the rest of the school year.