This year, Highlands welcomed 9 new teachers to the high school. The English department included Laura Taylor and Katie Simon to the nest.
Taylor is in her 15 year of teaching with this being her first year at Highlands. She teaches AP Language and English III. Before Highlands, Taylor taught at Bracken County High School and Randall K. Cooper High School.
Taylor said, “People have been very friendly and welcoming. It’s nicer to be at a school that is closer to my home.”
Highlands has a good reputation and vibe in the community. Taylor is looking forward to how the community is going to come together.
“I like the community vibe and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the community.”
Simon is teaching English I, AP Seminar, and English IIO. Simon is in her 17 years of teaching. Previously she taught at Campbell County High School.
Taylor was excited to have someone else in the department that she could lean on.
“We talked about it this morning, it’s nice to have an ally. She is a support system in a different way,” Taylor said.
Simon has the same feelings about having a new friend on the floor.
“It’s amazing, we both came from places we were at for a very long time. It’s all the same but new. It’s nice to have someone go to.”
English teacher Jennifer Nash spoke about her relationship with the new teachers in the department.
“They are great! I have worked with Simon’s sisters, she is very high energy which I appreciate. I couldn’t imagine stepping into a position at a super intense school just a couple of weeks before.”
Highlands welcomes in these teachers with open arms. Make sure to give them a warm welcome if you see them in the hall.