Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  Last week the new Nederland Middle Senior High School teachers and staff had a few days to get acquainted with the building before they met the 2015-16 students on Thursday. Eight new employees jumped into the fray as the students streamed through the halls, filled with possibilities and anxieties.

The first few days of school are an adventure for everybody, a time of introduction and welcoming. Sometimes arriving at a small mountain school can be a culture shock, but soon newcomers learn that they all share a similar goal: the best education possible for Nederland students.

Scott Geels is the new math teacher at NMSHS. He is a former business consultant, stock analyst, and engineer; he has lived in the US, England, Singapore, and South Korea. He received an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering from MIT and graduate degrees from MIT and Stanford. Prior to this year, he taught at Greeley West High School.

“As the new math teacher at NSMSHS, I am excited to teach the great kids up here. I believe that a math and science education is fundamental to creating logical and informed citizens in today’s world. I would also like to ensure that kids in this community, which includes my own eight-year old children, have access to a top-notch high school math education, and do not feel compelled to travel down to Boulder to excel.”

Clay White is the new social studies teacher. This is his second year of teaching and first at Nederland Middle Senior High School. He is a native Coloradan and a product of the Boulder Valley School District. He holds two undergraduate degrees from Metropolitan State University of Denver in both History and Criminal Justice and Criminology, and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Curriculum Studies at the University of Northern Colorado.

White will be an assistant coach with Coach Aaron Jones and the Nederland Panthers’ football team—his fourth year of coaching football at the high school level.

“I take advantage of every season Colorado has to offer and love to be outdoors and experience everything this amazing state has to offer. I am beyond excited to be working at Nederland and being a part of such an amazing town and community.”

Special Education Intensive Learning Center teacher Bill Gerrette grew up outside of Boston and moved to Summit County for what he thought was a season in the mountains. But he fell in love with Colorado and began his teaching career with English as a Second Language and Special Education at Summit High School. After finishing his degree at Colorado State University, he taught Social Studies, English as a Second Language, Literacy, and Special Education in Thornton, Longmont, and Boulder.

“I believe that a school is a community for all students. A teacher needs to start with a love for students as they go through the ups and downs of maturing and learning. With a firm relationship and inclusion in the community, all students can learn and thrive.”

Nichole Alvarez is the new NMSHS psychologist. This is her fourth year in Colorado and her fifth year working as a school psychologist. Her primary role at Nederland will be supporting our special education students and staff. She will also be involved in consultation and collaboration with teachers, problem solving, mental health support, and assisting with behavior and academic interventions.

After growing up in Southern California in a family of educators, she graduated from the University of Redlands in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After earning her degree, she spent a year working as an early intervention specialist, doing in-home therapy with infants and toddlers.

In the fall of 2009, when she finally decided on what she would like to do, she started school at the University of La Verne, eventually earning a Master of Science in School Psychology in 2012.  Alvarez is currently working on her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Special Education Administration at the University of Northern Colorado.

“I look forward to getting to know the students, families, and Nederland community. Please feel free to stop by and say hello.”

Lisa Russell is the new Special Education Resource Teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at CU in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and went on to get a master’s degree in science education at Western Government University. She is currently working on a master’s degree in special education at the University of Northern  Colorado.

Russell moved to Colorado 23 years ago from Boston, ending up at Shoshoni to practice Yoga. She has been teaching philosophy and says her teaching philosophy is that students learn by doing.

Megan McEachran is the new Spanish teacher. She moved from East Lansing, Michigan, to teach in Nederland and says she is honored to be a part of NMSHS. She finished her student teaching internship through Michigan State University and now she gets to follow her dreams and educate students in the Spanish language.

McEachran’s goal is to open her students’ eyes to the world around them by becoming Spanish language learners. “In this language learning journey, I hope my students will use Spanish in the real world and use these skills in a way that will create so many wonderful opportunities like learning Spanish has done for me.”

Christine Mallery is the new orchestra teacher. She is currently finishing her doctorate in cello performance and music education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and says she doesn’t mind the commute. “Ugly, flat; ugly, flat; ugly flat; spectacular,” is what she’s sees on her way to Nederland.

She grew up in New Mexico and learned to love the Southwest. She attended New Mexico Southern University and Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia. She has always loved music and learning and hopes to pass that on to her students. She believes music should be fun, but she also wants to give her students a solid foundation that will allow them either to continue as musicians or to become supporters of the arts.

“Music and arts are part of who we are; they are essential to our being. I like to help students, see how music ties into so many other things that we do.”

Simone Smead is the new high school physical education and health teacher. She has been a teacher with the Boulder Valley School District for five year at the elementary and middle school level. She taught PE, social studies, and math. She has an AA in Adaptive PE, a BA in sociology and conflict resolution and mediation.

Smead has worked in a recreation department in a small community and as a manager at the Boulder Indoor  Soccer/Sports. Born in Los Angeles, Smead graduated from Santa Monica High School where she played three varsity sports. She then spent 25 years in the Marshall Islands before moving to Boulder in 2008. She taught K-8 at Aspen Creek and Columbine Elementary School.

“I want to create a classroom environment that is inclusive, supportive and respectful for all. I want to challenge students to do their best, to learn for their benefit and set goals for school and life.