On the second floor of Newbury Elementary School, is the fifth grade hallway lush with memories. A young teacher and her students fill an old classroom, creating a fresh start for the new fifth grade students.
With recent experience in the educational field, Catherine Weagle has found her place at Newbury Elementary with a kind staff and friendly students who made her transition trouble-free.
“The elementary school is very welcoming, but a far different community,” said Weagle as she spoke about settling into her new classroom.
Weagle found her love for teaching younger students after taking the role as a nanny for her niece and nephew, during a time where she was transitioning majors in college. Starting out as a reading and writing classroom aide at Marblehead, she always saw herself being more of a classroom teacher. Teaching as the lead teacher was nerve wracking at first, but moving to Newbury Elementary felt as if she had finally found a school where she was comfortable and in control of her own students.
Originally beginning her secondary education at Salem State University for journalism, Weagle quickly realized that it wasn’t for her, so instead she began her studies in preparation for teaching. Once starting on the path of being an educator, Weagle found herself at a school in Marblehead where she taught students from grades 4 through 6 as a classroom aide. She had also dabbled in special ed services as well as numerous subjects ranging from history and English to science and math. Given her history in journalism, Weagle felt most comfortable in the English language arts, but is not limited to those subjects. She had general experience for eight years prior to her position as a fifth grade teacher at Newbury Elementary. Transitioning into a different district, Weagle felt overwhelmed at first but was dire for change. Principal Beth Yando has observed Weagle’s passion to teach sharing, “She was calm and eager to become a classroom teacher.”
Welcomed by the community, Weagle was taken under the wing of long-serving teacher Amelia Fremont-Smith. Other teachers were just as helpful such as Kate Arsenault, who made sure all new teachers were prepared for the upcoming school year. Surrounded by such a helpful group, Weagle’s adjustment into her new position was rushed in terms of prepping for the school year, but manageable. She claims that “lots of prep went into my ultimate goal,” to become a classroom teacher.
Past fifth grade students from Newbury Elementary acknowledged the impact that teachers such as Weagle have made, recalling past memories.
Senior Anna Webb remembers the little details when she discussed one of her teachers past meals. “Ms. Robertson always had her greek yogurt and grapes for lunch,” said Webb.
Others remember what they were encouraged to do, such as senior Riley Hillemeyer who shared her past experience of volunteering for dusting duty in Newbury Elementary’s library. Even seven years later students recall their fifth grade experiences, which is just the memorable impact that Weagle aspires to make. The struggles that brought Weagle towards her passion helped her realize what her true calling was. Weagle claims, “That’s what pushed me, I realized I needed I needed to get out of the position that I’m in and strive towards my ultimate goal, to be a classroom teacher.”
