Shea Bender :

 Were you scared to start teaching?

 I was really scared. I was super excited to start teaching, but I was scared. So I got hired on a Thursday. I had Friday to plan, and then I taught my first class on Monday. 

What relationship have you developed with students?

I really love building relationships with students. I had some of my preschoolers tell me I have taken on a mom role. Meeting you when you’re a freshman and then watching you become a senior is so fun to see, how much you grow and how much you change.

What was your favorite memory teaching?

My favorite memory so far is just being a part of graduation. We get closer to here, and I just look forward to it. Last year was the first year that I was actually able to attend, and it was a downpour. I’m really hopeful that this year will be a little bit warmer and a little less rainy, as we all looked like we took showers at graduation. So I’m really looking forward to celebrating our seniors this year.

Meghan Lien

What made you want to start teaching?

I always wanted to be a teacher. I first thought that I wanted to teach just preschool. That’s what I went to college for. However, I just fell in love with working with high school students as well. Now I have half of my days with preschoolers, half of my days would have high schoolers, which I love the balance of both.

How have you liked teaching at West Albany?

I love teaching at West Albany. I don’t think that I would love my job as much if I was anywhere else, especially because I’ve grown up here. I love the students and I love my job as a teacher here.

Were you scared to start teaching?

 It was a bit intimidating. Yes, not so much with the preschoolers. But this year when I started, and I had my own high school classroom. I was a little bit more intimidated.