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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

ASL teacher Tiffani Symons signs to one of her students in her American Sign Language II class. Symons has been teaching for 17 years. "Students are only learning visually. I admire students who are up for this challenge, and my job as a teacher is to promote their learning and success," Symons said.

Getting to know American Sign Language teacher Tiffani Symons

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER February 23, 2018

Pathfinder: What got you interested in teaching? Symons: “I wanted to be a teacher since I was in high school. I realized I wanted to teach deaf and hard of hearing students, so I became a teacher...

Horn poses with her husband, her son Braydon and her daughter Mylah at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville, MO. “I am married [to] a teacher and coach, and [we] have two kids," Horn said. "So when I say teaching is my passion, I am not lying...I have surrounded myself with education.”

Getting to know math and Personal Finance teacher Andrea Horn

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER January 9, 2018

What got you interested in teaching? “I can’t say there was anything in particular. I played teacher/school as a kid. I think it was just always a passion and dream of mine.” What class(es)...

Hopkins poses by the Christmas market in Strasbourg, France. "From living in France, I learned to take advantage of each chapter of my life as much as possible, because it won't last forever," Hopkins said. "In each place you live, you'll have friends and opportunities that are unique to that time and place. I can't easily visit a museum of medieval art or take a train to Switzerland anymore, so I'm glad I did it when I had the chance."

Getting to know French teacher Blair Hopkins

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER January 8, 2018

Pathfinder: What is your job? Hopkins: “I am a part-time French teacher. I do French I and French II, so I am here in the morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.” What got you interested in teaching French? “I...

Technology and Engineering teacher Chris Donaldson helps senior Jack Fox during the Day of Code on December 6. Donaldson teaches three courses, all involving technology and engineering. “I am most excited to see students try new things, build skills and develop strengths they may not have previously realized they had," Donaldson said. "[I want] to build positive relationships with students and staff and to positively impact students’ attitudes toward STEM concepts, classes and career choices.”

Getting to know Technology and Engineering teacher Chris Donaldson

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER December 20, 2017

Pathfinder: What got you interested in teaching? Donaldson: "I had a few stand-out teachers in high school and college. What struck me is how they were able to take complex concepts, break them down...

Teacher assistant Matt Tesson makes an announcement over the intercom. "My greatest challenge, so far, has been getting over my nerves of making the afternoon bus announcement to the whole school! [The] first few times were nerve wracking," Tesson said. “The best way to overcome any challenge is facing it head on.  I’m not nervous [making announcements] anymore."

Getting to know teacher assistant Matt Tesson

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER December 18, 2017

What is your job? What do you do for your job? “I’m a teacher's assistant, and I have a few different responsibilities. First, I have lunch duty, in which I make sure students are not roaming the...

Special Education teacher Nicole Sneed helps senior Nicholas Waldrop at a game of bingo. “My favorite thing about my job is the relationship I have with my students. I enjoy having inside jokes with my students as well as knowing their interests. It helps us connect and form a positive relationship," Sneed said.

Getting to know Special Education teacher Nicole Sneed

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER December 14, 2017

What is your job? What do you do? “I am a special education teacher. I help students learn by evaluating their current ability, creating and implementing appropriate interventions and providing accommodations...

Rose poses with her sister, alumna Maddie Rose in front of the Mizzou columns. Both of the Rose sisters attended Mizzou. "I spent my first year teaching in Columbia, Missouri because I was participating in a Master’s Degree program through the University of Missouri," Rose Said.

English teacher Taylor Rose returns to West

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER November 29, 2017

Pathfinder: What got you interested in teaching? Rose: “I have always wanted to be a teacher, as so many empowering women in my family have served as teachers. From playing school with my cousins...

Getting to know teacher assistant Erin Fitzsimmons

Getting to know teacher assistant Erin Fitzsimmons

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER November 28, 2017

Pathfinder: What is your job? Fitzsimmons: “I am a study hall teacher and interventionist, though my official title is teaching assistant.” Is this your first time doing this? “Not exactly,...

During cross country practice, social studies teacher and assistant coach Brent Wildhaber races against freshman Emma Smout on a unicycle.

Getting to know social studies teacher Brent Wildhaber

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER October 24, 2017

What classes do you teach? “I teach one section of world history and four sections of modern U.S. history.” What got you interested in teaching? “A couple things: I love history. I love...

Junior Principal Corey Sink poses with his wife, Molly and sons, Asher and Ryder.

Getting to know junior Principal Corey Sink

Gabby Leon, STAFF WRITER October 20, 2017

Pathfinder: What got you interested in your job? Sink: “I have always wanted to be a teacher. Working with kids was certainly a passion of mine, and I enjoy coaching too, so the sports aspect met...