New Teacher On the Block

For many teachers, the 2020-2021 school year has made them feel as if this was their first year of teaching. However, how does that compare to an actual first-time teacher? 

Nikki Mitchem (English) is one of the new teachers at South, and unfortunately, all of her experience in schools has been affected by COVID.

“I only got to teach until March and then we student taught online,” said Mitchem.

Mitchem has known she was going to be a teacher since kindergarten. It’s safe to say her first year teaching wasn’t anything she could have ever imagined. Although she wishes she could see her students’ faces every day, she also believes she has gained a lot from this experience. 

“It helped me think about what’s engaging in different modes. What’s effective in different places of learning,” said Mitchem.

One of the many new challenges for Mitchem was the tech-heavy learning system. Learning how to interact and use media to our advantage is important for us as we continue to grow and enter the new world of technology. It can be difficult to completely immerse your classroom in this new world when you’re still trying to adjust to a new environment. Mitchem hasn’t let this minor setback affect her classroom as she continues to learn something new herself each day.

“Teaching during a pandemic is helping with problem-solving skills and thinking through the students’ mindset,” said Mitchem. 

Mitchem believes there have been benefits and drawbacks gained from this year, but she can’t wait for things to get back to normal. One thing she’s excited about is the things that make school, school. 

“I am really pumped to go to football games, sporting events when it’s not limited, and things like proms and pep assemblies,” said Mitchem. 

This year has been one of learning, adjustments, and flexibility. 

When asked what she would tell her past self from the beginning of the year, she said, “This year is going to be weird, but this is the best place to have a weird year at.”

This hasn’t been a normal year, but it’s because of teachers like Mitchem that we’ll all make it through.

Look at South, there’s a new teacher on the block!