One of our most beloved teachers of Woodland has gotten a new job as a library media specialist at Long River Middle School. Mrs. Flaherty has been teaching at Woodland for the past 12 years as a History teacher and has gotten close to many of the students and co-workers here at Woodland throughout her career. Even though we will not see her in the halls anymore she still is apart of the Woodland Family.
“I know that I can always go “home” to visit and that even though I may not be working there everyday, I still have very close connections. Mr. Amato and I have been working together on Schoology, and Ms. Olivere and I just went for a run the other day. Mrs. Kilcourse and I have each other on speed dial. And I have been in touch with many, many former students. So my family is always nearby.” says Mrs. Flaherty.
Mrs. Flaherty recieved her certification as a library media specialist last year, but taking the job at Long River was a very last minute decision. “ I didn’t realize I was leaving until about two weeks before school started! The library media specialist position was an unexpected opening so I had little time to wrap my brain around the transition.” explains Mrs. Flaherty.
If you have had Mrs. Flaherty you would know that she loves to read so this job suits her very well. “Even as a history teacher, I was really interested in developing instruction and curriculum. This is a large part of my new role and I am excited to help support teachers in developing innovative and effective ways to drive instruction using new technology and resources. ” Mrs. Flaherty says.
“B-U-S-Y!” is how Mrs. Flaherty describes her new job. “I have been helping the teachers and students learn Schoology, which has kept me moving. I really like the age group of the students too. It’s new and different and they are just the cutest nuggets!”
Mrs. Flaherty does miss Woodland a whole lot. “The drive up the hill every morning. I always loved that, I knew I was going to get a hug from Fred, work with amazing teachers and staff, and see my students that always made me laugh. The drive up the hill always felt like a homecoming, and I miss that moment of familiarity and anticipation of seeing my family each day.”
So will Mrs. Flaherty ever come back to Woodland in the future? She says “Never say never!” Whether she stays at Long River or comes back to Woodland we all wish her the best of luck on her new journey.
