They come from near and far, but they all have one common trait that links them together ? the passion to teach.
Eleven new teachers will begin their career in the Oxford School District this fall. Let’s meet them:
Christopher Card
Family: Wife, Christine, children, Cullen, 7, and Ceana, 5
Residence: Oxford
Coming from: Webberville Schools
Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in secondary music education from Western Michigan University, Master’s Degree in secondary choral music from VanderCook College of Music
Work Background: 14 years as Director of Choirs, serving at the high schools and middle schools in Webberville, Byron Center, Cadillac and Hastings
Position hired: Director of Choirs
Educational philosophy: By infusing high energy into a combination of classroom enjoyment and performance excellence, students in a school music program will achieve professional standards and exceptional results.
Why Oxford Schools? The Oxford school system has the staff and resources to be an exceptional education environment, and I want to be part of that.
Matt Race
Residence: Davison
Originally from: Grand Haven
Educational Background: 2002 Grand Haven High School graduate, 2006 Grand Valley State University graduate with a major in math and minors in history and statistics
Work Background: Kearsley High School 2006-07, substitute teacher from 2004-06
Position hired: Mathematics/Statistics teacher at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: To provide a structured learning environment and to impact as many students? lives as possible.
Why Oxford Schools? I was very impressed by the schools and administration during my interview. I also have the opportunity to teach statistics, which was important to me.
Nicole Barnett
Residence: Harrison Twp.
Originally from: Warren
Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics and minor in Biology from Ferris State University
Work Background: First year teacher. Long-term substitute at Stevenson High School in Utica winter 2007; student taught in the fall of 2006.
Position hired: Mathematics teacher at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: Every student achieves differently, so varied instruction is key. Teachers mold the minds of the younger generation, so being such a huge influence is very important.
Why Oxford Schools? Great district! I feel there’s a lot of opportunities for teachers and students alike and I’m very excited!
Jason Eldridge
Residence: Oxford
Originally from: Oxford
Educational Background: 2002 graduate of Oxford High School, 2007 graduate from the University of Michigan
Work Background: Student taught and substituted in Birmingham Public Schools
Position hired: Math and science at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: I believe every student can and will learn if given the proper support.
Why Oxford Schools? I had great experiences here as a student and I wanted to pass that on to the next generation of Oxford students.
Kathryn Blaszczyk
Family: Husband, Thad
Residence: Flint
Originally from: Lapeer
Educational Background: 2005 graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor’s Degree in history, minor in Spanish. Just beginning Master’s in history at Oakland University
Work Background: Permanent substitute at Avondale High School 2005-06, contracted teaching position at Elisabeth Ann Johnson High School in Mt. Morris
Position hired: Social Studies teacher at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: It is the job of a teacher to give students the necessary tools to be successful and grow. It is then up to the student to use these tools in the future.
Why Oxford Schools? I want to work in a district that is open to new ideas and technology. Oxford is a district I know I can continue to grow in and perfect my craft.
Ryan Wasmund
Residence: Sterling Heights
Originally from: Sterling Heights
Educational Background: Graduated from Oakland University in May of 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education
Work Background: Substitute for Utica Community Schools. Assistant at the Wiley Elementary School Latchkey program.
Position hired: Social Studies/Language Arts teacher at Oxford Middle School
Educational philosophy: As a teacher, I need to be engaging to my student. They will learn by doing. I will create a safe learning environment.
Why Oxford Schools? It is a great district. It is a growing district. It is a place where I can hone my skills as a teacher.
Jacob Trotter
Residence: Perry
Originally from: Perry
Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Michigan State University, teacher certification in social studies and history from Eastern Michigan University
Work Background: Substitute teacher for the past three years in Shiawassee County, driver’s education instructor at Byron Area Schools for the past two years
Position hired: Social Studies teacher at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: To promote leadership, democratic values and to ready students to be able-bodied citizens of the community, state and country.
Why Oxford Schools? I wanted to work in Oxford Schools for several reasons, which are the great community, excellent buildings and chance to make a difference.
Kelly Fillmore
Family: Husband, Ryan
Residence: Warren
Originally from: Shelby Twp.
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oakland University May of 2007 with a major in Spanish
Work Background: Worked for Electronic Data Systems from May 2002 – October 2006
Position hired: Spanish teacher at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: I believe in student-centered learning, where students take active participation in the classroom. I not only want to teach my students the content material, but also help them grow into productive members of society.
Why Oxford Schools? Oxford holds high expectations and standards for their students.
Sally Chapman
Residence: Rochester Hills
Originally from: Remus
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Michigan University, MA from Ferris State University
Work Background: Chippewa Hills High School, two years
Position hired: Mathematics teacher at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: To challenge students to be the best and allow them to achieve.
Why Oxford Schools? I really liked the location of the school and it looks like a good fit for me.
Stephanie Huss
Residence: Rochester Hills
Originally from: Swartz Creek
Educational Background: 2005 Michigan State University graduate with a degree in special education and English
Work Background: Internship at Perry Elementary, substitute taught in Swartz Creek and Flushing
Position hired: Elementary Special Education teacher at Oxford Elementary and Leonard Elementary.
Educational philosophy: I believe all children learn in their own unique way and it is my job to find the best methods and resources to guide them to academic success.
Why Oxford Schools? I love to town of Oxford and the high expectations Oxford Schools holds for its students.
Mary Owczarzak
Family: Married to Jan Owczarzak, three sons, Charlie, Zach and Eric
Residence: Clarkston
Originally from: Houghton
Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University, Master’s Degree from Georgie State University, LD Endorsement from Eastern Michigan University
Work Background: Taught in New Mexico, Georgia and Oxford (took leave from Oxford in 1996 to raise children)
Position hired: Special Education teacher at Oxford Middle School
Educational philosophy: To make all children feel comfortable and be excited about learning.
Why Oxford Schools? I worked here from 1989-1996 and loved the family-friendly community. It is comforting to come back to work here.