Being a new teacher is no doubt intimidating. Despite the expectation of meeting new faces everyday, navigating the campus and undergoing numerous changes, Kaley Obney proves she is someone who won’t let change scare her.
Joining the group of the three new teachers this year, Obney was hired as a new Psychology and Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology and English 9 teacher shortly after the year began.
Northview was faced with a unique situation after the Psychology teacher initially hired decided to go a different direction and a replacement needed to be found quickly. Upon being offered the position, she initially had hesitations, but she ultimately decided to take the job. After finalizing everything for her transfer to the high school, she began teaching here three weeks after school started due to having to find a new teacher to replace her position at her old school.
“The option was out of the blue and unexpected. I already had everything planned to continue teaching at Wyoming Junior High and I hadn’t planned on leaving because I was still finishing my masters which involves a fairly hectic schedule. After talking to some teachers and the principal, I knew that this was a better fit for me,” Obney said.
Though she had to completely transform her work life, Obney grew accustomed to her new environment.
“Switching to AP Psychology with a whole range of 11th to 12th is definitely a jump. Everyone has been super nice, all the staff is super helpful,” Obney said. “Students are quite motivated and I’ve been very impressed with everybody so far. There has been a lot of adjusting.”
A bulletin board conveys pictures of Obney. She has enjoyed introducing herself to new faces. Photo credit to Chloe Blumke.
Before teaching here at the high school, Obney taught at Wyoming Junior High. She acknowledges the differences between her past and current teaching experiences.
“It’s definitely different [teaching here] because I used to teach seventh and eighth grade English,” Obney said.
Obney felt pressure coming into the new high school environment.
“I was very nervous. It was definitely a big leap of faith. I wasn’t applying for this job, so it was kind of one of those moments where I had to go for it,” Obney said. “It was a big jump, starting late and leaving the people I worked with and the students I started with was difficult. ”
Students have grown fond of Obney as an educator. Freshman Carley Chacho enjoys Obney’s kindhearted character, which shines when she teaches.
“I have [Obney] for English class, she is very fun and enjoyable to be around,” Chacho said. “She will also help [students] with anything if needed.”
Obney has had inkling for teaching the people around her since she was a kid.
“I’ve [always] naturally been a teacher. I have two younger sisters so I always kind of played teacher when I was little. Both of my sisters have disabilities-one has a learning disability and one has a personality disorder- so I’ve had to help out a lot at home,” Obney said. “I’ve always just been really good at helping people out.
Fellow AP Psychology teacher James Haveman was given the opportunity to work alongside Obney with Psychology curriculum. He admires her commitment to her teaching and students.
“We often bounce ideas back-and-forth before we put them together in our lesson plans,” Haveman said. “She is a very hard worker at school, and a leader both in and outside the classroom.”
Haveman finds it refreshing to have another educator working with him this year.
“In the past, I’ve always worked by myself. It has been very nice to be able to share ideas and come up with new lessons together,” Haveman said. “It keeps things fresh and interesting. She brings a new and interesting perspective to AP Psychology and regular Psychology classes.”
Throughout the time and experience Obney gathered, she developed a unique perspective on teaching. She continuously emphasizes the importance of constant learning, and believes she always has room for improvement.
“I think if you are going to be a teacher you have got to learn to adapt and grow just as much as you expect the kids to grow,” Obney said.
