Sunnyslope High School has eagerly welcomed several new teachers into the staff this year, each with a unique background and a variety of different hobbies.
Although it’s only the first quarter, these first-year teachers have had no trouble adjusting to the energetic and lively atmosphere here at Slope so far.
Let’s meet the teachers who hold the key to Sunnyslope’s future!
Dustin Fechner (Systos, Freshman Boys PE)
Fechner taught for 20 years at Alhambra High School and Independence High School before coming to Sunnyslope.
Some of his hobbies include coaching club soccer and wakesurfing.
Fechner thinks that “the administration team here is warm and welcoming. They are so supportive and can always be found. My department is a well oiled machine. They work so well together and I just have to find my groove in there. FYI Coach Pieri has the best lines ever!”
Laura Boss (French 1-2, Spanish 1-2)
Boss taught at Desert Mountain High School for 13 years before moving to Mountain Pointe High School for 10 more years.
She spends a lot of her time outdoors, going hiking, cycling and camping.
Lately, her hobbies include reading dystopian novels.
Boss claims that she feels “really welcomed at Sunnyslope. Every staff member here has been so kind and helpful. From Mr. Parker in the office, to the teachers I see in the hallway, I know I can ask anyone a question, and they will help me”.
Her favorite part of teaching is the fact that her students leave class knowing something they didn’t know before nearly every day.
Tyler McDowell-Blanken (English 1-2, English Learners Level 2)
McDowell taught for 7 years at Marana High School and Cactus High School.
His hobbies include watching professional wrestling, playing basketball, and going to the movies.
McDowell says that “Mrs. McNary, Mr. Dong, Ms. Mullaney, Mr. Geer, Mr. Woods, and many others welcomed me with open arms. We have outstanding faculty at Slope. I’m excited to collaborate with [and learn from] such great teachers”.
His favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the students’ creativity and compassion.
Caitlyn Faley (Community-Based Special Education)
Faley taught special education in an elementary school setting for two years before coming to Sunnyslope.
She enjoys hiking, attending community events such as Bingo or Trivia, spending time with family and friends, and travelling whenever possible.
Faley claims that “Sunnyslope has absolutely made me feel welcome this year. Our administration team is wonderful and has been very supportive of my transition to this role. Our Special Education team and Department Chair Michael Sidebottom have all also been wonderful”.
Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the growth her students make throughout the school year.
Sandra Zemaitis (All levels of German)
Zemaitis is entering her 27th year of being a teacher, previously teaching at Perry High School, Highland High School, and even teaching for a year in Singapore.
She loves being outdoors, often hiking and paddleboarding.
Additionally, she likes to cook and play board games.
Zemaitis says “I have felt very welcomed here. The staff have been super friendly, checking in on me and answering my silly questions. The students are also friendly, they make eye contact with me in the halls and smile.”
Her favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the joy students get when they finally understand how to communicate in German.
Make sure to greet these teachers in the halls with a warm welcome if you see them!
