New to the Oxford school district this fall are 11 teachers eager to start their careers as educators and guidance counselors.
Some teach science, some language arts, some physical education, but all of them share the bond of molding young minds and preparing our future leaders.
Let’s meet Oxford’s freshmen teachers ?
Brian Edwards
Family: Getting married to fiance Laura on September 24; two cats.
Residence: In transition.
Originally from or coming from: Detroit native, returning home from Kalamazoo after eight years of absence.
Educational Background: B.A. in English and Journalism from Western Michigan University (2000) and teacher certification in English and Spanish (2005).
Work Background: Manager at Lowes Home Improvement in Portage, MI.
Position Hired: Language Arts and Journalism at Oxford High School.
Educational Philosophy: In language arts study, ‘practice makes perfect.? Students need to read and write daily to improve their abilities. When they take literature and writing assignments personally and express feelings, the quality of work improves.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: A growing community who cares about their students, a responsible administration and staff and because Oxford is a district where I have an opportunity to grow professionally and personally.
Goals for yourself this school year: To please the powers-that-be, make new friends and learn as much as I can from co-workers…and students too!

Steve Claerr
Family: son, Aidan Quinn
Residence: Auburn Hills
Originally from or coming from: Rochester
Educational Background: Undergraduate work done at Western Michigan University, graduate work done at Wayne State University.
Work Background: Mohegan High School in Chippewa Valley.
Position Hired: Science at Oxford High School.
Educational Philosophy: Watching students grow.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: Oxford is a wonderful community with much to offer.
Goals for yourself this school year: To better myself as an individual and as a professional through teaching my students.

Sam Wiscombe
Family: Jackie (wife), Madeleine (daughter) and Ava (daughter).
Residence: Oxford
Originally from or coming from: Lake Orion
Educational Background: B.A. in English from Oakland University, M.A. in English from Oakland University. Completed all course work for Ph.D. in Old English at Wayne State University (dissertation unfinished), certification completed at Wayne State.
Work Background: Collegiate English instructor for eight years, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central High School for three years teaching English, University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy teaching English.
Position Hired: 7th grade Language Arts at Oxford Middle School.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: Thriving school district; I know many teachers and administration in this school system, and they are all good people and competent in what they do. My wife and I moved into this school system because we want our daughters to attend.
Goals for yourself this school year: To be challenging to students and receptive to parents. To prove myself valuable to the school system.

Jillian Opalach
Residence: Dryden
Originally from or coming from: Dryden
Educational Background: B. S. of Elementary Education from Central Michigan University.
Work Background: I student taught and held long term substitute positions in Oxford the past two years.
Position Hired: 3rd and 4th grade blend at Clear Lake Elementary.
Educational Philosophy: I love watching children get excited about learning something new and challenging! It’s great being such a big part of the learning process.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: Oxford is a great community. I wanted to work with other dedicated and enthusiastic teachers. I’m excited to be in a district that strives for student achievement.
Goals for yourself this school year: My goal is to help each one of my students learn and succeed in a positive environment. I hope that each day they learn something new and that I can help inspire them to be life-long learners.

Shawn Regan
Family: Pamela (wife), Aidan, Alyssa and Alex (children).
Residence: Lake Orion
Originally from or coming from: Leonard
Educational Background: Oxford High School graduate (1990), Wayne State University graduate (2005).
Work Background: Lifetime Fitness, Wayne State and the Boys and Girls Club.
Position Hired: Physical/Health Education at Clear Lake Elementary.
Educational Philosophy: To create an environment in which the students will gain the knowledge and skills they need in order to engage in healthy, life-long activities. The best thing about teaching is watching them succeed and the expression on their faces.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: Growing up in this community and being able to give back is quite an honor and privilege.
Goals for yourself this school year: To build positive and productive relationships with staff members, parents and students.

Darlene Harsant
Family: Married with two children
Residence: Fenton
Originally from or coming from: Originally from Michigan, coming from Naperville, Illinois.
Educational Background: B.S. degree from Michigan State University in speech and audiology, Masters of arts in teaching from National Lewis University Chicago, currently completing certification endorsement in Reading at Oakland University.
Work Background: 1st and 2nd grade teacher, Learning Resource Director/Technology, Early Intervention Reading Program for 1st grade and kindergarten.
Position Hired: Kindergarten at Clear Lake Elementary.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: I was excited to work in a district where parent involvement was valued. Oxford has strong administrative leadership supporting best practices. And of course–Oxford has great kids!
Goals for yourself this school year: My goal this year is to do my best to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of all my students–and to have a great time doing it!

Jessica Keesling
Family: Steve and Kathy (parents) and two younger sisters Sarah and Lindsey
Residence: Dryden
Originally from or coming from: Dryden
Educational Background: I graduated from Oxford High School in 2000 and completed my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Oakland University in 2004.
Work Background: I completed my student teaching in a first grade classroom at Hamlin Elementary and then I went on to substitute in the Oxford, Rochester and Brandon school districts. I have also spent the summer tutoring several students.
Position Hired: Kindergarten at Lakeville Elementary
Educational Philosophy: I love working with children and seeing the expression of joy on their faces as they discover their capabilities. There is nothing more rewarding than having the ability to touch and positively impact so many lives.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: I attended Oxford schools for thirteen years and I was educated by wonderful teachers. I now have the opportunity to give back to my community.
Goals for yourself this school year: To use my creativity, enthusiasm and dedication to successfully educate my students. I will also continue to educate myself.

Lauren White
Residence: Bloomfield Hills
Originally from or coming from: Troy
Educational Background: Student taught 4th grade in Troy, B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University (2005) with a minor in Elementary Education, math/science and integrated creative arts.
Work Background: I have worked extensively with children for the past four years, most recently as the science camp director for Oakland Yard.
Position Hired: 4th grade at Lakeville Elementary
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. I knew instantly that Oxford could be a home away from home. Everyone I’ve met has been extremely warm and friendly. I am honored and proud to be a part of a wonderful community!
Goals for yourself this school year: I am excited to establish solid relationships with my students, staff members and parents within the community. I’ll dive into the curriculum to create a strong learning environment that is also fun, challenging and exciting. I know my fourth graders will have a memorable year. I can’t wait to start!

Name: Jessica Delmotte
Residence: Harrison Township
Educational Background: I graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in education and a minor in geography and environmental science. While completing a year-long internship in a second grade classroom in the Mt.Clemens School District, I attended master’s classes at Michigan State University.
Work Background: During the 2004-2005 school year, I completed a long-term substitute position in a 2nd/3rd blend class at Lakeville Elementary School. Upon completion of the long-term position, I continued to substitute within Oxford community schools.
Position Hired: 1st and 2nd grade blend at Lakeville Elementary.
Educational Philosophy: The thing I love most about teaching is the students. I enjoy designing and implementing challenging lessons, tasks, and activities that engage the students in meaningful learning. I look forward to coming into school and watching students engage in a task and discover something new.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: I wanted to work for Oxford Schools because of their reputation as an innovative district with very high standards. While substituting within the school district, I was able to become involved within the school community as well as the Oxford community. I was able to witness the Oxford staff and community come together to create the best possible learning environment for the students. I want to work for Oxford schools because I would like to be a part of a staff that works hard to create a great education for all students.
Goals for yourself this school year: My goal is to create a safe, organized, positive learning environment for each student within my classroom.

Name: Monika Kruger
Family: I live at home with my mom and my 26-year-old brother. I also have many relatives who live in Poland and Germany.
Residence: Sterling Heights.
Originally from or coming from: Sterling Heights
Educational Background: Regina High School, Michigan State University (B.A).
Work Background: Student taught 2nd grade in Hazel Park for an entire year. I have worked in day care for three years. This is my first teaching job!
Position Hired: Teaching 3rd grade at Oxford Elementary.
Educational Philosophy: I love working with students and seeing them succeed.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: I wanted to work for Oxford schools because I enjoy working in a small community where everyone knows each other and the people in Oxford are wonderful!
Goals for yourself this school year: To make sure all my students are successful learners, to get to know the community, and to continue my professional development as a teacher.

Name: Kai-Lynn Albers
Family: Three sisters, one brother
Residence: Rochester Hills, live with my dog Chloe
Originally from or coming from: Clinton Township
Educational Background: Bachelor of General Studies, Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University.
Work Background: Practicum-Oakland University counseling center and Pontiac Central High School. Internship-Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township.
Position Hired: Guidance Counselor at Oxford High School.
Educational Philosophy: Inherent in every student is the potential for accomplishment, fulfillment, and to be contributing members of society. As a counselor, I feel I can guide students towards healthy, progressive choices and encourage and equip them with the skills and confidence to pursue this end.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford Schools: To do everything possible to the best of my ability in line with Oxford school’s mission to provide a quality education for all students.
Goals for yourself this school year: To develop rapport and respect with colleagues, parents and students, to facilitate students? transition and pursuits toward future success, and to learn, mature and continually strive towards personal and professional excellence.