Marla Travis is the one of the new teachers at FHN. She is not new to teaching, though. Travis has been teaching for 18 years and been in the FHSD for 16 years. She got her bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in education.

“I think the class is getting better, it just is taking a little while for everyone to adjust.” Maggie Cox, sophomore, said.

To adjust, Travis is working to find what helps the students learn the material the best, she takes suggestions from the students when she can to make the class better. She said that the students make her want to work harder since they have been so helpful. Travis has to prioritize and be flexible to make the class work.

“In some ways it is like getting back into it, like being a first-year teacher but background experience.” Travis said.

The genetics class includes learning about DNA: the makeup and how it divides, genes and how they code for traits that are passed on, the things that can go wrong with the mechanism, and working with probability of getting certain traits. The students learn it through book work, videos, labs, interactive activities, and notes.

“As the year goes on she’s finding out what methods help us learn the best.” Leah Chaney, sophomore, said.

Travis said that the students have been very gracious, focused, and motivated in the class; she said they have given great suggestions which have helped her shape the class. Travis went into teaching because she liked the interaction, the energy, the humor, and the age group in general.

“It’s definitely been a learning experience and it stretches us.” Travis said.