At Taft High School, change is always present. It’s no surprise to see a lot more of it, especially kicking off the new school year. Recently, teachers at the Taft Freshman Academy (TFA) have moved to the Taft Varsity Campus (TVC), getting comfortable with the switch as the first week of school ended.
While the students at TFA and TVC do not seem to differ, teachers newer to the space may pick up on the contrasts. As these teachers switch campuses, they have to adapt to the slight changes. While some teachers say it’s easy, others may say the opposite.
Individuals and Societies teacher Rachael Nicholas compared her time at TFA to now at TVC. “The hallways are always a lot more crowded. But, students here feel like they’re more confident and know the expectations,” she said.
Navigating through the hallways is a struggle, but Nicholas doesn’t regret her decision. She continued, “I chose to come here! I’ve taught here before, so coming back from TFA helps a lot because I feel like I already have the support. I just wanted a change.” It seems the crowd doesn’t seem to bother her much!
Yearbook and Language and Literature Teacher Kelly Watson would say the same about the move. “Everyone here is really nice! I like the change of pace, and when there’s an offer I’m willing to take it,” she stated. Watson also talked about some culture shocks of hers. “Everything moves so much faster. But it’s kind of a good thing!”
Watson is no stranger to the Taft family, as she was a student of the Taft Academic Center for her seventh and eighth grade years. From learning to now becoming a teacher, she notices contrasts of the freshmen and senior classes she’s taught. “They have a lot going on that freshmen are just getting a hand on,” she said.
The similar experiences being at TVC between Nicholas and Watson shows that Taft is a very supportive environment for these teachers. With all positive there’s negative, and there were some opposing answers just depending on how long they have taught here.
For example, both teachers had different perspectives concerning parking. “It’s easier here because there’s more spots. There’s not a lot of parking at TFA,” Nicholas said. Nicholas talked about how she had her own parking spot. However, Watson mentioned, “I have to walk just as far from my car to both the Freshman Academy and Varsity Campus.”
Whether staying at TFA or easing into the TVC, both teachers said that they have the support they need to soften the blow on moving classrooms. Having teaching experience at both Taft campuses is the best of both worlds!
