Getting to know business teacher Holly Weber

Pathfinder: What got you interested in teaching?

Weber: “My entire family is made up of teachers–my sister, my mom, my dad, my cousins and my grandma. I really think education is just in my blood!”

What class(es) do you teach?

“[I teach] Marketing 1, Marketing 2 and BMIT [Business Marketing Information Technology] Internship.”

Is this your first year teaching?

“No, this is my 14th year.”

Did you previously teach at a different school? If so, what school?

“Yes. I spent the last nine years teaching at Parkway North High. Before that, I ran Parkway’s Missouri Option program, and I spent a year teaching business & marketing at Fern Ridge.”

How is West different from that school?

“I am still learning the ‘West way,’ however, I am impressed at the student interest in activities that extend beyond the classroom—specifically, our New York trip. Doing the experiential marketing seminar in New York is something new for me, and I am very excited about it.”

What made you choose to teach at West?

“So many reasons! My family and I live in the West community. I wanted to be a part of a community where my boys could eventually go to school. I had also heard such great things about West High, and I thought it would be a fun new challenge in my career.”

Why did you decide to teach marketing?

“I have a Bachelor of Science degree in international business and marketing. Teaching is actually my second career [because] I worked in sales and marketing for roughly five years before going back to school to be a teacher. I have always loved studying marketing, and I found my passion being a teacher in this space. One thing that makes teaching marketing so cool is that it is really the psychology side of business. This allows us to look at why people do what they do and buy what they buy; it also lets us look at how companies target us with their marketing. Ultimately, we hopefully become savvier consumers because of it.”

If you could teach another subject, what subject would it be and why?

“I think it would be English. I’ve always loved reading and writing, and English was my favorite subject in high school.”

Are there any challenges you face while teaching?

“Yes. My biggest challenge is also my biggest joy. Being a mother of two young kids can be challenging because there is the constant juggle of balancing work and family life. To give enough to both pursuits can take it out of you, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

How have you overcome your challenges?

“Coffee, planning and a sense of humor.”

What are you most excited for this year?

“Meeting my students, getting to know them, meeting new colleagues and getting to know them too.”

What is your favorite thing about West?

“The energy, excitement and overall feeling that everyone here really cares and wants to help.”

What is one fun fact about you that you want students to know?

“I actually coached girls soccer here with coach Wayland seven years ago. I am actually coming back to West High.”

How would you like students to see you?

“As a role model, mentor [and] coach who truly cares and wants what’s best for them.”