This year, the high school English department has seen some changes with two new teachers, Brandon Lee and Janelle Miles, joining the team amid Sheridan Steelman and Sara Pitt’s absences.
Despite being new, Lee and Miles are quick to settle in due to their diverse teaching histories.
Before joining the Northview community, Miles taught at East Kentwood High School for ten years. Miles is currently teaching Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar and AP Language and Composition.
“I absolutely was worried that kids won’t be able to learn from me, and for me that is a driving force,” Miles said. “I do get stressed out and worried about connecting and helping kids know that I really care for them.”
Miles believes that one of the most important things in teaching is making her students feel powerful. Miles is taking steps to ensure her students feel inspired.
“I like seeing kids become powerful with their language so that they can not only empower themselves to make their dreams come true, but they can bolster other people’s journeys,” Miles said.
Lee is also looking forward to the year ahead. Lee is teaching Pre-AP English 9 and AP Seminar.
Despite his location change, Lee is already implementing his own style in the classroom.
“[My teaching style is] laid back and structured. I try to keep my lesson plans tight so we always have something to do, and we don’t waste time switching between things. At the same time, with enough structure, I am able to take some time and move through the lessons calmly,” Lee said.
Their colleagues are very welcoming to the new educators. English teacher and department head Audra Whetstone is grateful for what the new teachers bring to the high school.
“It’s been incredible. It’s been enlightening to work with new people with different experiences and just to hear their point of view on different philosophies, ideas, projects and activities we can try,” Whetstone said. “[Miles has a] diverse background. Coming from East Kentwood, she’s worked with many groups and types of students,” Whetstone said.
AP Seminar is Lee’s first time teaching an AP course, and he is enthusiastic about taking on this challenge.
“I’m going to help [my students] by giving them a choice with what they are going to write about and do their research on, hopefully with that choice they are going to find something they are interested in and be able to argue a position,” Lee said.
Lee is bringing his teaching background from his three years out of state. He has many different qualities that will help him and the school.
“Lee has years of experience in North Carolina, which is a totally different school system down there. He can bring that and see Northview as a wider vision and he implements his ideas,” Whetstone said.
Despite the challenges of a new year, Lee and Miles are adapting and fitting in well.
“I’ve already noticed this Northview community is very supportive of the school and the students here know what they are doing,” Lee said.
