This fall students have dealt with the unique challenge of a social studies teacher resigning mid-semester. After weeks of part-time substitutes, long-term substitute Christina Buehner accepted the position.
“She is very nice; I like how she teaches and takes control of the classroom,” sophomore Tyler Trochinski said.
With high expectations for Buehner, some students have been skeptical.
“I can tell some of the students are testing me, but I think overall I’ve been welcomed pretty warmly, and I think a lot of these students are just happy to have a substitute who knows what they’re talking about to help them learn,” Buehner said.
Despite the unusual way Buehner joined the teaching staff, students are finding that she is more than qualified for her position.
“She’s doing a good job at going over assignments and making sure everyone knows what they’re doing. Also, every time someone gets too loud or says something dumb, she stops class and gets everyone back on track,” Trochinski said.
Her teaching style isn’t the only positive; with the constant in and out of part-time substitutes, it is refreshing for students to have stability.
“It is nice that we have a stable substitute. With fewer sub rotations, it will require less adjusting and be easier to settle into a routine,” senior Becca Bartol said.
The gap between permanent teachers was longer than many anticipated.
“It’s been about six weeks in total,” Principal Bryant Bednarek said.
The employment process of hiring a long-term substitute is very important for students’ well-being. Because of this, certain qualifications and qualities were of the utmost importance.
“I am looking for the same qualities as I do when I hire any staff member: are they a good person and do they have the knowledge, skills, and disposition to be an asset to Berlin High School and the social studies department?” Bednarek said.
Besides the challenge of coming in during the middle of the semester, Buehner has to get students back on track in the curriculum.
“Curriculum-wise, we’re closing off some units with the help of other teachers in the department. Lucky for me, we’re nearing the end of units in each of the classes I teach, so I’ll be able to start off fresh,” Buehner said.
With Buehner being only a long term sub, the question arises whether she will become a permanent staff member, or simply be a replacement for the semester.
“At this time, our arrangement is to finish the semester. I am evaluating our need for that position for second semester and beyond,” Bednarek said.
Whatever the outcome, Buehner is making an impact on students with her teaching and caring attitude.
“I’m just excited to be here and we’ll see where it takes us,” Buehner said.
