FHN caters to various subjects to choose from which requires teachers to have a large knowledge in a variety of areas. Social studies teachers Sean Fowler and Kim Coil have this experience as they currently teach multiple subjects at FHN. Fowler has throughout the years taught various subjects and currently teaches Contemporary Issues, AP Government, US History, and AP Psychology. On the other hand, Coil teaches AP World History, World History, and Modern American Culture. This is where the mixture of subjects can create different environments for many teachers.
“I probably wouldn’t recommend it to brand new teachers because it is a lot,” Coil said. “Let the new teachers get their feet wet and leave the multiple subjects to some of us old folks who can manage it.”
In the past, Coil has taught Government, Honors Government, U.S. history, Economics, Cadet Teaching and Contemporary Issues, and at max, has taught four different subjects at one time. For Coil, teaching different subjects was a good way to keep her day interesting, but oftentimes could get difficult and confusing, especially when dealing with multiple, varying history classes.
“I mean, it’s time-consuming. I feel like I’m always juggling things.” Coil said. “But you know, just the extra time that it takes to plan is a lot, but it’s worth it to me.”
Meanwhile, Fowler was on the other side of the spectrum. He enjoys multiple subjects as a way of not getting bored throughout the day. For these teachers, they are able to take on multiple subjects due to only one specific certification. This allows them to take on the whole realm of social studies, and have a little more freedom when compared to other subjects such as math or science.
“I will probably be continuing to teach roughly three preps for the foreseeable future,” Fowler said. “It’s more work, it’s more planning, but it makes the day a little bit more enjoyable”.
