By Megan Kelly and Ava Hentz
As we enter the new school year, Barrington High School has not only returned to relative normalcy but also it now has 17 teachers who either took on new positions or are entirely new to the school.
For many students, teachers are their gateway to learning. It is vital for a student to have a teacher who is dedicated to their job and excited to teach.
“I hope by the end of this year that students leave my class having learned something valuable,” says science teacher Mr. Stephen Marshall. “Whether it's an important concept in science or just general advice, I'll be happy they gained knowledge that they can use in their future.”
This is Mr. Marshall’s first year teaching. After graduating BHS in 2018, he knew he wanted to work with students. He sees this as an advantage as he said he already understands the school’s work ethic.
Sandra Shaw, a French teacher in the World Languages department, also has some previous understanding of the BHS community. Mrs. Shaw started teaching here part-time two years ago.
“There are definitely high expectations here,” she says, “But that is one reason why the students are so attentive.”
Not only do new staff members comment on the dedication of the students, but also many mention how friendly the faculty is.
“The staff at BHS work so hard,” says Ms. Shaw. “I love working with them.”
Newly hired induction coach Tonya Curt-Hoard also notes how welcoming everyone has been through her working one-on-one with many of this year’s new teachers.
The business department also gained a new member for the new school year. Mrs. Joy Hennessey was a student teacher last year at BHS, and this year she was officially hired to be a teacher.
“I hope to contribute some new ideas and projects into the business curriculums at BHS,” she says when asked about her goals for the year.
As a new teacher, Ms. Hennessey has plenty of time to work out her teaching style and figure out what works best for her students.
“I have always been a teacher at heart,” she explains.
Several of this year’s new teachers are completely new to the teaching field like Mr. Marshall and Mrs. Hennessey, but there are also a few teachers who have been teaching for many years and are only new to the BHS.
New Spanish teacher Mr. Joseph Paola last taught at Coventry High School, but he switched to teaching at BHS this summer.
“I had been looking to find a permanent Spanish position in Rhode Island for the past two years,” he says, “and I was very lucky that one opened up at BHS.”
The Barrington School system has quite the reputation in Rhode Island. Many teachers express their excitement to begin working at the high school.
“I am really looking forward to becoming a part of and helping to contribute to the community!” Mr. Paola exclaims.
Here are the new teachers or teachers who are in new positions for 2022-2023 at BHS. Welcome and welcome back!
Ainsley Burns, Math
Tonya Curt-Hoard, Induction Coach
Lyndsay Duffy, Science
Dean Healey, Math
Joy Hennessey, STEAM
Rachel Kingsford, Special Education
Stephen Marshall, Science
Nicole McGovern, Reading Specialist
Cynthia Navarro, Chair of World Languages
Amy O’Donnell, Science
David O’Neil, Social Studies
Dana Pagliaro, School Counseling
Joseph Paola, World Languages
Alicia Pereira, Main Office
Corey Resendes, School Resource Officer
Pat Tolentino, Special Education
Sandra Shaw, World Languages