With the first day of school just around the corner on Aug. 14, anticipation is building as students prepare to return to their classrooms. Alongside the familiar faces of returning staff, Marathon Middle/High School and Stanley Switlik Elementary School are also welcoming a new group of teachers. While students are brushing off their backpacks and sharpening their pencils, these fresh faces are also gearing up for their debut. It’s a bit like the teachers’ first day, too — a blend of excitement and nerves. As we all step into a new school year, here are some of the newest members of our educational community.
To get to know the new educators better, the Weekly asked them the following questions:
- Where did you get your degree?
- How long have you lived in the Keys?
- How would you describe your teaching style?
- What is your special talent that no one knows about?
- Where have you taught (or is it your first year teaching)?
- What would you want your students to know about you?
- What are your hobbies?
Name: Michelle Macoskey
School: Marathon High School
Grade/subject: Freshman seminar and sophomore world history
- I have a bachelor’s degree in marine science from California State University, Monterey Bay.
- I moved here in February 2020 to work as a marine science Instructor at SeaCamp.
- It is still in development since this is my first year teaching, but I want my teaching style to be a hybrid of a demonstrator and facilitator, where it’s structured and informative, while still being based on group activities and self-learning. I want my classroom to be a safe space where students are always welcome, no matter what is going on in their lives.
- I can sing. I used to be very shy and self-conscious about my voice since I’ve never been formally trained, but after one night at Skipjack’s karaoke with friends, I am gaining more confidence.
- This is my first year teaching, but I was a paraprofessional at MHS last year.
- I would like my students to know that I am always in their court! Sometimes I will be tough on them and challenge them, but that’s because I know they are capable and want them to succeed.
- I love to act/perform (I frequently appear in plays at the Marathon Community Theatre), spend time on the water (snorkeling, being a jet ski tour guide, hanging with friends at the sandbar) and be artistic (I made almost all the art in my apartment).
Name: Trayce Zander
School: Stanley Switlik Elementary
Grade/subject: Fourth grade
- I received my B.A. in human services from Western Washington University and my M.A. in education from Antioch University.
- My husband and I lived in the Keys for 8 years, returned to Seattle for 6 years, and now we’re back to enjoy island life.
- My classroom focus is on creating a space where students feel safe and supported. Real learning can only happen when kids feel free to make mistakes. My teaching style is all about building meaningful teacher-student relationships so that students can be their best.
- Very few people know about my love for anything that has to do with fitness and health. My happy place is in the gym, lifting weights!
- This is my 22nd year of teaching. Sixteen of those were in the Seattle area. Before I became a teacher, I taught DARE to 5th graders for one year. I had so much fun, and I said to myself, “That’s it. I want to be a teacher!”
- My favorite Yoda quote is, “Do or do not. There is no try.” To commit completely rather than “just trying” is a worthy goal to live by, and I want my students to know I believe they have that superpower in them.
- I like history, current events, travel, birding and having new adventures.
Name: Allyson Knanishu
School: Marathon Middle High School
Grade/subject: English speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- I received my degrees from Northern Arizona University, St. Ambrose University and Western Illinois University-Macomb. I also have a TESOL post-baccalaureate from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities.
- I’ve lived here for 24 glorious days.
- My teaching style includes a mix of student-focused flexibility, attention to fostering positive relationships, and highlighting social and emotional learning strategies.
- I am a yoga, meditation and mindfulness teacher.
- I have taught a range of subjects, including U.S. history, world history, geography, sociology, psychology and government, to grades 8-12. In ESOL classrooms, I taught sheltered-instruction social studies, English and study skills. I was a push-in ESOL teacher for grades K-12 in public and private schools in Illinois and Iowa as well as a community college and for the Kansas City Royals.
- I am thrilled to be their teacher! I am one of their biggest supporters.
- I enjoy golfing, reading, swimming, traveling, practicing yoga, existing comfortably in nature and attempting the art of non-doing.
