West is seeing many new faces this year, including long term sub Taryn Phoenix. She is currently subbing for Mr.Kintigh and is adjusting well. Phoenix has been teaching for 15 years and said, “I aid for teachers and I do subbing.” She has subbed in many schools but her most recent was Bettendorf Middle School. Phoenix also stated, “I actually have my doctorate, but I went to Middle Tennessee State University for my undergrad and bachelor’s.” Being a sub and having to adjust to a new school can be hard, especially when you aren’t familiar with the people, but she said, “I’ve really enjoyed my time here and getting to know all you guys. Because for me, I was a little nervous coming to a new school because I did not know anyone before I started this year. And that’s never been the case for me. Every school I’ve gone to, I’ve known students and I’ve known teachers there.” She has adjusted quickly and is now feeling settled in. Another challenge new teachers face is dealing with new technology, grading, and schedules. “I think the troubles have been just learning a new system, because Davenport schools are different from other schools or the other private schools that I’ve been to,” Phoenix said, “so it’s just having to catch up, like new curriculum, new schedule, you know, new classes even. Because English 3 is the majority of what I teach and that wasn’t a class last year. So everything’s new, not just to the students, but to me too.” Amidst the many obstacles that may come with being at a new school, or being a sub, Phoenix has worked hard to adjust and is fitting in perfectly. Welcome to West!