Washougal teachers navigate challenges during their first year

WASHOUGAL — The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially challenging for brand new teachers at Washougal High School. First-year ninth- and 10th-grade algebra and geometry teacher Jered Barker has been working hard to build relationships even if they’re not in person. “Relationships are the key to any successful classroom, and in the virtual world, it has become increasingly difficult,” he said. “Students rarely have their cameras on, so I don’t even know what some of my students look like outside of one picture in their Skyward account.” Elise Piet, an English and world history teacher also faces challenges. “I have to help my freshman navigate high school and the demands of it, without them ever having set foot in the building,” she said. They both use Zoom to help, trying to get to know students by asking questions about their interests. “For both of these educators, the first year of teaching is a scary and tumultuous time,” Principal Sheree Clark said. “The fact that they were not only willing but excited to start their first year of teaching during a pandemic, speaks to their dedication as educators.”