As the new school year got into full swing, 19 new teachers were welcomed to the Madison community. These teachers all bring different backgrounds and experiences to the Madison community. New teachers Emily Jensen, Cameron Poland and Carrie May shared their thoughts and experiences from the school year thus far. Before starting at Madison, Jensen, Poland and May were attracted to this school for its culture and values, with the academic motivation of students and student life in out of school activities being a few examples.

“I chose to come to Madison because I was excited about working at a school with so many traditions, a school that was innovating grading practices, and that would challenge me to become a better teacher,” May said. 

Getting involved in Madison culture and bonding with coworkers has shaped their experience. All three teachers have developed similar opinions and thoughts on their time at Madison.

“I love it,” said Jensen. “The world language department is amazing and the teachers are very talented, supportive and helpful. For the rest of the school, I’ve been getting tickets to the football games so it’s been nice to see everyone and be with other teachers as well.”

The atmosphere of Madison has shaped their opinions on their adjustments into the Madison community. Becoming acclimated to a new school can be difficult for both students and teachers, but all three teachers again felt similarly about their experiences.

“My transition to Madison has been great! Everyone has been so kind and welcoming,” Poland said. 

Not only have other teachers helped these teachers adjust to Madison, but the students have helped these teachers transition into Madison as well.

“The other school I taught at was a middle school, so it was very different by nature,” said Jensen. “But I would say the students are more academically motivated than I’ve seen before which is really exciting as a teacher to see that.”  

Similarly to many of the students, Jensen, May and Poland felt a variety of emotions on the first day of school. Many of the students may feel similar emotions to those of teachers on the first day of school.

“I was so nervous! But I am nervous every first day. Since I am teaching students that do not know each other, it’s hard to find activities that are enough to get them to talk to each other but are not lame,” said May on her emotions on the first day of school. There’s a fine balance. I was nervous about that, setting up clear expectations of behavior, and filling in all the time.”