Williamsburg-area schools welcome 169 new teachers: ‘We’re here for your kids’

On Monday, schools across the Williamsburg area filled with students eager for the start of the school year.

As thousands of students filed into classrooms, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools also welcomed 169 teachers to the staff, exceeding many other school systems in new-teacher hires.

“I think it’s incredible that we’re hiring 169 new teachers this year. … We know other school divisions are having a really difficult time filling their slots, and we’re really fortunate,” said James W. Beers, vice chair of the WJCC School Board, at the board’s last meeting.

Every teacher arrived to the schools early on Aug. 22, preparing for their first day. Out of the 169 new teachers, 69 are elementary, 51 are middle and 38 are high school.

While most people might assume teacher orientation is filled with PowerPoints and lectures, WJCC took a hands-on approach the week before school started. Music teachers played instruments together, while the fine arts’ staff created ceramics, leaving each teacher leaving with new skills.

By Monday, the official first day of school for Williamsburg, James City County and York County, Clara Byrd Baker Elementary’s newest fifth grade teacher, Kelly Stallard, said she was beyond ready for her new students.

WJCC Schools reported more than 11,600 students, though the state will report official enrollment numbers for the school year in about a month.

“I’m really excited about meeting the students and building relationships with them and their family. I think that’s the key to being successful is having a relationship with them,” Stallard said. “Because when they know you care, they know that you’re going to do what’s best for them. And in return, they’re going to do what’s best as well.”

While this is her first year with WJCC Schools, Stallard is entering her fifth year of teaching. In the past, she’s taught in places like Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Now, she’s excited to take on Clara Byrd Baker and live closer to her family.

“I’ve been asked the question, ‘Why do you love Clara Byrd Baker?’ I said it was because you feel like family from the moment you walk in,” she said. “The teachers want the best for your kids. They’re going to make sure they’re getting everything they need and not let them fall through the cracks.”

Along with Stallard, Berkeley Middle School’s newest art teacher Allison Albert is ready for her first year of teaching.

The 40-year-old may be joining the teaching scene late, but she’s bringing real-life experience with her. Before signing on as an art teacher at Berkeley, Albert worked for fashion designer Nili Lotan in New York City.

“I’m really grateful to have that experience because it shaped my personal aesthetic and design sense. I’m excited to bring it into the classroom,” Albert said.

Funny enough, she’s teaching in the same exact middle school she attended growing up. The art teacher even brought her middle school yearbook.

“I actually have my Berkley Middle School Yearbook from 1996,” she said with a laugh. “It’s like research. I found it and was like, ‘Let me see what I was like in middle school.’”

Albert is also following in the steps of her mother, who also taught at WJCC Schools. Gail Albert taught at Lafayette High School, Jamestown High School and Warhill High School, ending her teaching career as Warhill’s theater teacher.

“My mom is like the coolest teacher ever. Some kids would be embarrassed by their parents, but everyone who met her was so influenced,” Albert said.

With her artistic background, Albert is ready to experiment this upcoming year.

“We’re here, we’re going to be creative and I want to do a lot of different things. I want to do more than just drawing or painting or printmaking,” she said. “I want to do something with sewing. I’d like to try fabric dyeing and maybe some printing with flowers.”

The designer-turned-teacher has one goal for her classroom: to make everyone feel wanted and accepted.

“I hope my art class can be a sanctuary from the chaos that some students might feel, especially coming out of such a difficult year last year,” Albert said. “What I want them to learn is that everyone can do art. It can be something beautiful, and it doesn’t have to be pressured. People have different styles of art.”

Meanwhile, Margaret Will, the newest addition to Jamestown High School’s Science Department, is ready to show students the beauties of biology and biomedical sciences.

“I love science, and I was a biology major in college. I don’t know if I would be as fun of a teacher if I taught anything else. I’m a big nerd for it,” Will said with a smile.

This will be the science expert’s fourth year teaching, and she has great ties with the Williamsburg area.

Will went to William & Mary for her undergraduate degree in biology. She also met her husband on campus, and he is now works at Warhill High School.

For nervous students and parents, Will offers some advice.

“I know when I was a freshman, I was super overwhelmed. I just want them to know your teachers are there for you and want to help,” she said. “As for parents, just remember we’re here for your kids.”

“No one works in education because they want to be rich and famous. It’s very much a public servant job,” Will continued. “Most, if not all, teachers have a heart for serving.”

Abbey Crank, abbey.crank@virginiamedia.com